Chapter-12-Electrostatics & Capacitance

Vidyamandir Classes Electrostatics
Electrostatics
FUNDAMENTAL FORCES IN THE NATURE Section - 1
INTRODUCTION
Electrostatics, deals with the study of charges at rest. These stationary charges occurs due to friction of two insulating
bodies, therefore it is often called frictional electricity
Different forces are divided in FOUR parts based on their nature. Gravitational force, Electro-magnetic force,
Nuclear force and Weak force
CHARGE
Property of a substance by virtue of which it can repel or attract another charged substance.
Charges are of two types.

(a) Positive charge : Lesser number of electrons than number of protons.
(b) Negative charge : More number of electrons than number of protons
Importants Points : Only, electron is responsible for a substance to be charged and not the proton.
Properties of Charge :
(i) Like charges repel while unlike charges attract each other.
(ii) Charge is quantized in nature i.e. The magnitude of charge possessed by different objects is always an integral
multiple of charge of electron (or proton) i.e. q = ± ne where n = 1 , 2 , 3 ........
(iii) The minimum possible charge that can exist in nature is the charge of electron which has a magnitude of
e = 1.60 207 × 10-19 coulomb. This is also known as quantum of charge or fundamental charge.
(iv) In an isolated system the algebraic sum of total charge remains constant. This is the law of `Conservation of
charge'.
Note : The fact that electric charge is an integral multiple of electronic charge was experimentally proved by Milliken.
Unit of charge → 1 coulomb = 3 × 109 e.s.u. = 1/10 e.m.u., in cgs → e.s.u. (stat coulomb)
Methods of Charging
1. Charging by rubbing : When two bodies are rubbed together, some electrons from one body pass onto the other
body. The positive and negative charges appear in equal amount simultaneously due to the transfer of electrons.
The body that receives the electrons becomes negatively charged. e.g., When a glass rod is rubbed with a silk
cloth, the glass rod acquires some positive charge by losing electrons and the silk cloth acquires negative charge
by the same amount by gaining electrons.
2. Charging by conduction : Take two conductors, one charged and other uncharged. Bring the conductors in
contact with each other. The unchanged conductor will get charged with the same sign. This is called as charging
by conduction.
Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 1 1

Electrostatics Vidyamandir Classes
Note : If two identical conductors are touched and separated then charge on both becomes half half of total
charge.
3. Charging by induction : If a charged body is brought near an uncharged body, then one side of neutral body
(closer to charged body) becomes oppositely charged while the other side becomes similarly charged.
Illustration - 1 Two spheres of the same metal (in all respects) are taken. One is given a positive charge of Q
coulomb and other is given the same but negative charge. Which sphere will have a higher mass?
SOLUTION :
Negatively charged sphere will have a higher mass. This is due to increase in number of electron to make it negatively
charged.
Illustration - 2 How many electrons are present in 1 coulomb of charge?
SOLUTION :
 q = ne
n = q/e = 6.25 × 1018 electrons.
COULOMB'S LAW
The force of attraction or repulsion between two stationary point charges is directly proportional to the product of
charges and inversely proportional to the square of distance between them. This force acts along the line joining the
two. If q1 & q2 are charges in consideration, r the distance between them and F, the force acting between them
Then, F α q1 q2
and, F α 1/r2
q1q2
∴ F∝
r2
q1 q2
r
q1q2 1
⇒ F=k , where k = Coulomb's constant, k  9 109 Nm 2 coulomb 2
r2 4 0
where, ε0 = Electric permittivity of vacuum or air = 8.85 × 10–12 coul2 N–1 m–2 and
Conditions to apply Coulomb Law

(i) Coulomb's law is applicable to point charges only. But it can be applied for distributed charges also
(ii) This law is valid only for stationary charges and cannot be applied for moving charges.
(iii) This law is valid only if the distance between two charges is not less than 10–15 m.
(iv)  r = 1 for air or vacuum, = ∞ for conductors & > 1 for any other medium.
1
k
40  r
2 Section 1 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Vector form of Coulomb's law

Direction of the force acting between two charges depends upon their nature and it is along the line joining two charges.

r̂12 F21
q1
r12 q2
  ˆ
F21 = force on q2 due to q1, F21  q1q2 r12 ...(A)
40 r r122
 q q rˆ
F12 = Force on q1 due to q2, F12  1 2 21 2 rˆ21 ...(B)
40  r r12

F12 q1 r̂21 q2
r12
PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION
The resultant force acting on a charge due to a group of charges is equal to the vector sum of individual forces.
   
F  F1  F2  F3
 q2
F3

F1
q1
 q3
F2
Illustration - 3 Five equal charges 'q' are placed at five vertices of a regular hexagon. What will be the resultant
force on a charge 'Q' placed at the centre of the hexagon given that the distance of a corner from centre is d?
SOLUTION :
Suppose, the same charge 'q' was placed at sixth corner also. Then
      
F  F1  F2  F3  F4  F5  F6  0
     
 F1  F2  F3  F4  F5  F6
q
1
6 2
q 5 3 q
4
q
(Note that resultant is zero due to symmetry of hexagon. This is applicable for any REGULAR geometry)
      qQ 
 F1  F2  F3  F4  F5  F6   2
and direction of force will be opposite to F6 .
40 d


Illustration - 4 A point charge q1 exerts a force F1 on q2. An equal charge q3 is now kept near q2. What will
be the effect on the resultant force on q2 due to q1?
SOLUTION :
Here superposition principle is to be applied carefully. The force on q2 due to q1 will remain same although resultant
  
force on q2 will change since F = F1  F3
Illustration - 5 Force F is acting between two charges. If a sheet of glass (εr = 6) is placed between the two
charges, what will be the new force?
SOLUTION :
1 q1q2 1 qq
F  and F '   1 2
40 r 2 40 K r 2
F F
F'  
K 6
Note : We can conclude that if there is a metallic medium (conducting) between two charges, force will be zero since
K = ∞.
Illustration - 6 Two charged spheres of radius 'R' are kept at a distance 'd' (d > 2R). One has a charge + q and
the other – q. Find the force between them.
+ + – –
+ –
–
+ –
–
R +
– R
+ –
+ –
+ – –
d
SOLUTION :
Redistribution of charge will take place due to mutual attraction and hence effective distance will be less than d.
Kq 2
There fore force will be greater than
d2
Illustration - 7How should we divide a charge 'Q' between two point objects seperated by distance `r' to get
maximum repulsion between them?
SOLUTION :
1 q(Q  q )
Let (q) & (Q – q) be the two parts. F 
40 r2
For maximum F
dF 1 Q  2q Q
0  0  q
dq 40 r 2 2
hence Q should be divided in two equal parts.

PRACTICE EXERCISE-1
1. A charged rod P attracts rod R whereas P repels another charged rod Q. What type of force is developed between
Q and R?
2. A billion electrons are added to a uncharged body. What will be the charge on the body?
3. If a glass rod is rubbed with silk, will it acquire positive or negative charge and why?
4. When 1014 electrons are removed from a neutral metal sphere, what will be the charge on sphere?
5. Three point charges q are placed at three vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. Find magnitude of electric force on any
charge due to the other two.
IN-CHAPTER EXERCISE-A
1. When a soap bubble is charged.

(1) it contracts (2) it expands
(3) it does not undergo any change (4) it bursts
2. The force between two electrons separated by distance r varies as:
(1) r −2 (2) r (3) r 1 (4) r 2
3. A charge Q1 exerts some force on a second charge Q2. If a 3rd charge Q3 is brought near, the force of Q1 exerted on Q2:
(1) will increase (2) will decrease (3) will remain unchanged
(4) will increase if Q3 is of the same sign as Q1 and will decrease if Q3 is of opposite singn
4. Two particles having charges q1 and q2 when kept at a certain distance, exert a force F on each other. If the distance
between the two particles is reduced to half and the charge on each particle is doubled the force between the particles
would be
(1) 2F (2) 4F (3) 8F (4) 16F
5. A negatively charged particle is situated in a straight line joining two other stationary particles each having charge +q.
The direction of motion of the negatively charged particle will depend on:
(1) the magnitude of its charge (2) the position at which it is situated
(3) both magnitude of charge and its position (4) the magnitude of  q charge
6. Two particles A and B having equal charges are placed at a distance d apart. A third charged particle placed on the
perpendicular bisector at a distance x will experience the maximum coulomb’s force when:
(1) xd/ 2 (2) x d /2 (3) xd /2 2 (4) x  d /3 2
7. Three charges 4q, Q and q are placed in straight line of length l at points 0, l/2 and l respectively. What should be the value
of Q in order to make the net force on q to be zero?
(1) –q (2) –2q (3) –q/2 (4) 4q
8. If two charges of 1 coulomb each are placed 1 km apart, the force between them will be:
(1) 9  103 N (2) 9  103 N (3) 1.1 104 N (4) 106 N
9. Two equally charged small balls placed at a fixed distance experience a force F. A similar uncharged ball, after touching
one of them is placed at the middle point between the two balls. The force experienced by this ball is
(1) F/2 (2) F (3) 2F (4) 4F
10. Three point charges +q, +q and –q are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side ‘a’. Another charge +Q is kept
at the centroid. Force exerted on Q is:
1 2 qQ 1 6 qQ 1 8qQ 1 12qQ
(1) 40 a 2 (2) 40 a 2 (3) 40 a 2 (4) 40 a 2

ELECTRIC FIELD Section - 2
A charge produces a space around itself called an electric field in which it exerts a force on any charge placed near
by.
Electric field Intensity

Force experienced by a unit positive charge placed in an electric field at a point is called electric field intensity at that
point. It is also known as electric field simply. Let q0 be the positive test charge placed in an electric field.

  F

If F is the force experienced by this charge, then E = Electric field intensity q  0 lim
0 q0
Its SI Unit is Newton / coulomb or volt/metre. This is a vector quantity and its direction is the same as force on the
  
positive test charge. Since E is the force on unit charge, force on charge q is F  q E .

The Dimensional formula is [M1 L1 T–3 A–1]. Electric field due to a point charge is E  kq2  rˆ .
r
Direction of electric field due to positive charge is away from charge while direction of electric field due to negative
charge is towards the charge.
r E
+q r̂ +q
HIT-TRICK :
(a) If q1 and q2 are at a distance r and both have the same type of charge, then the distance 'd' of the point from
q1 r
q1 where electric field is zero is given by d  . This point will lie between line joining q1 & q2.
 q1  q2 
r
d
q1 p q2
(b) If q1 and q2 have opposite charges then distance 'd' of the point 'p' from q1 where electric field is zero is given
q1 r d
by d  , [| q1 |  | q2 |] q2 p
q1  q2 q1
(c) Three charges +Q1, +Q2 and q are placed on a straight line. If this system of charges is in equillibrium, charge
Q1Q 2
q should be as given q  
 
2
Q1  Q 2
Principle of superposition for electric field intensity

Resultant electric field intensity at a point p due to a number of charges is vector sum of individual electric field
intensities
   
 E P  E1  E 2  E3

The resultant two electric fields E1 + E2 is given by E  E12  E 22  2E1E 2 cos . If the resultant field E, makes an
E 2 sin 
angle β with E1 then tan  
E1  E 2 cos 
Electric lines of forces

The electric field in a region can be represented by drawing certain curves known as electric lines of force.
These curves are such that tangent drawn at any point is in the direction of electric field at that point.
Properties of lines of force

(i) Electric lines of force start from a positive charge and end on a negative charge .
(ii) No two lines of force can intersect each other. If they then at the point of intersection two tangents could be
drawn, which gives two directions of electric at the same point, which is impossible.
(iii) The tangent drawn at any point on line of force gives the direction of force acting on a positive charge placed
at that point.
(iv) These lines have a tendency to contract in length like a stretched elastic string. This actually explains attraction between
opposite charges.
(v) These lines have a tendency to separate from each other in the direction perpendicular to their length. This
explains repulsion between like charges.
(i)i Intensity of electric field is given by the number of electric lines of force in a unit area at that point.
(vii) Lines of force of a uniform field are parallel and at equal distance.
4
(viii)Unit positive charge gives lines in a medium of dielectric constant K.
K
Key Points
(i) Electric lines of force can never enter the conductor, because inside the conductor the intensity of electric filed is zero.
(ii) Lines of force leaves the surface of conductor normally.
Illustration - 8 Charges of 3e and 9e are placed at a distance r. What is the distance of the point from 9e where
electric field is zero?
SOLUTION :
Putting the values in above formula
qr 9e r 3r
d  
q1  q2 9e  3e 3 1
1 9e
Systematically : E1  
40 x 2

1 3e
E2   , E1  E 2
40 (r  x)2
x r–x
9e 3e 3r 3r E1 E2
 2
  x or
x (r  x) 2 3 1 3 1 p
9e 3e
3r
x is not possible since x < r
3 1
Illustration - 9 Electric field liens are given. EA, EB, EC are the electric field intensity. Arrange them in order.
B
C
A
SOLUTION :
Number of electric lines of force in unit area is maximum at A and least at C. So EA > EB > EC .
Illustration - 10 A charge particle is free to move in electric field. Will it always move along the electric lines of
force.
SOLUTION :
No.
If the initial velocity makes some angle with lines of force, the resultant path will not be along the lines of force.

Illustration - 11 Find E at point P.
+ 5 c 8 cm – 3.6 c

6 cm
10 cm E2
P 
E1
SOLUTION :
5  106
E1 (due to 5μc)  9  109   4.5  106 N/C
(0.1) 2
9 3.6  106
E2 (due to –3.6 μc)  9  10   5.4 107 N/C
(0.06)2
 
  37  Angle b/w E1 and E 2 is 90  37
Using vector sum formula, net electric field is 5.14  107 N/C

PRACTICE EXERCISE-2
6. A free proton and a free electron are placed in a uniform field. Which of the two experience greater force and greater
acceleration?
7. Point charges +q and +9q are separated by a distance of 10a. Find the point on the line joining the two changes where electric
field is zero?
8. The electric field of a point charge is uniform. Is it true or false?
9. A charged particle always move in the direction of electric field. Is this statement true or false?
10. A charge q = – 2.0 μC is placed at origin. Find the electric field at (3m, 4m, 0).
IN-CHAPTER EXERCISE-B
1. A sphere of radius R has a uniform distribution of electric charge in its volume. At a distance x from its centre for x < R, the
electric field is directly proportional to:
1 1
(1) (2) (3) x (4) x2
x2 x
2. The electric field at 20 cm from the centre of a uniformly charged sphere of radius 10 cm is E. Then at a distance 5 cm
from the centre it will be
(1) 16E (2) 4E (3) 2E (4) zero
3. +Q charges is present at the points A, B, C of a triangle having equal sides. The intensity of electric field at O will be:
r O r
C B
1 Q 1 Q 1 Q2
(1) 40 r 2 (2) 40 r (3) zero (4)
4 0 r 2
4. Two parallel plates carry opposite charges such that the electric field in the space between them is in upwards direction. An
electron is shot in the space and parallel to the plates. Its deflection form the original direction will be
(1) upwards (2) downwards (3) circular (4) not at all
5. The figure is a plot of lines of force due to two charges q1 and q2 .

Find out the sign of charges?
(1) both negative q1
q2
(2) upper positive and lower negative
(3) both positive
(4) upper negative and lower positive

6. A charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining two equal charges Q. The system of the three charges will be in
equilibrium, if q is equal to :
Q Q Q Q
(1)  (2)  (3)  (4) 
2 4 4 2
7. The electric charge in uniform motion produces:

(1) An electric field only (2) A magnetic field only
(3) Both electric and magnetic field (4) Neither electric nor magnetic field
8. Electric lines of force about negative point charge are:

(1) Circular, anticlockwise (2) Circular, clockwise
(3) Radial, inward (4) Radial, outward
9. Three charges 2q,  q,  q are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. At the centre of the triangle:
(1) The field is zero but potential is non-zero
(2) The field is non-zero but potential is zero
(3) Both field and potential are zero
(4) Both field and potential are non-zero
10. The maximum electric field intensity on the axis of a uniformly charged ring of charge q and radius R will be:
1 q 1 2q
(1) 40 3 3R 2 (2) 40 3R 2
1 2q 1 3q
(3) 40 3 3R 2 (4) 40 2 2R 2
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL Section - 3
Work done in bringing a unit positive charge slowly from infinity to any point is termed as potential at that point
i.e. if
W
W = work done in bringing a positive charge q0 from infinity to that point is W, then, V  . Electric potential at
q0
infinity is taken to be zero. It is not path dependent quantity it simply depends upon the starting and end points.
It is a scalar quantity. SI Unit is Volt or Joule/Coulomb. The dimensional formula is [M1 L2 T–3A–1]. Potential due
to a positive charge is positive and potential due to a negative charge is negative, here potential being positive and
negative implies whether work is done on the charge or done by the charge respectively. Potential due to a point
1 q 1
charge Q at a distance r is V   V  . Total potential at a point due to a group of charges is scalar sum
4 0 r r
dV
of individual potentials Vp = V1 + V2 +....Vn. Electric field is gradient of electric potential at that point. E   .
dr
Work done in bringing a charge Q slowly from infinity to that point is W = QV where V is potential at that point.
Note : The negative sign implies that direction of electric field is in the direction of decreasing potantial.

Illustration - 12 A charge +q is fixed at each of the points x = x , x = 3x , x = 5x ... ad inf. on the x-axis,
0 0 0
and a charge -q is fixed at each of the points x = 2x0, x = 4x0, x = 6x0 ...... ad inf. Here x0 is a positve constant.
Take the electric potential at a point due to a charge Q at a distance r from it be Q/4π∈0r. Find the potential at
the origin due to the above system of charges.
SOLUTION :
Total potential caused by +q, at the origin
kq kq kq kq  1 1 
V1     ....  1  3  5  .... 
x0 3x0 5 x0 x0  
Total potential caused by –q, at the origin
kq kq kq kq  1 1 1 
V2      ....     .... 
2 x0 4 x0 6 x0 x0  2 4 6 
Net potential at the origin
kq  1 1 1 1  kq
V = V1 + V2  x 1  2  3  4  5  ....   x log(1  1)
0   0
1 2 1 3 1 4
[ log(1 + x) = 1 – x + x – x + .........∞]
2 3 4
Potential difference :
The work done in taking a unit charge from one point to the other slowly in an electric field is called the potential
difference between two points. Thus, if W be work done in moving a charge q0 form B to A then the potential
difference is given by VA  VB  W
q0
Unit of potential difference is volt. This is a scalar quantity. Potential difference does not depend upon co-ordinate
system. Potential difference does not depend upon the path followed. This is, because electric field is a conservative
force field and work done by conservative force field does not depend upon path followed.
Knowledge Enhancer :
 The electric potential of a conductor is a electric state, which ensures the direction of flow charge.
 If a positively charged conductor is connected to earth, then the positive charge of conductor will flow to earth and there
by the potential of conductor will become zero.
 If a negatively charged conductor is connected to earth, then the negative charge (electron) will flow to earth and there
by its potential will become zero.
 The potential of earth is zero.

Illustration - 13 In the following fig. Along which path the work done will be maximum in carrying a charge from
A to B slowly in the presence of any another charge?
III
II IV
I
SOLUTION :
Same for all the path [Because the work done slowly doesn't depend upon the path]
Illustration - 14 A charge 20μC is situated at the origin of X-Y plane. What will be potential difference between
points (5a, 0) and (–3a, 4a)?
SOLUTION :
kq
Distance between (0 , 0) & (5a, a), r1  25a 2  0  5a  V1 
5a
2
Distance between (0, 0) & (–3a , 4a) r2  9a  16a  5a
kq
V2  ∴ V 1 – V2 = 0
5a
Relationship between electric potential and intensity of electric field

A
 
(i) VA    E  dr , VA  electric potential at point A.

(ii) Potential difference between two points in an electric field is given by negative value of line integral of electric
B
 
field i.e. VB  VA    E  dr.
A
V V V
(iii) E x   ,Ey   , Ez  
x y z
dV
(iv) If V is a function of r only, then E  
dr
dV
(v) For a uniform electric field, E   and it's direction is along the decrease in the value of V.
dr

Illustration - 15 Electric potential for a point (x, y, z) is given by V = 4x2 volt. Find electric field at point (1,0,2)
SOLUTION :
dV dV dV
EX    8 x , E Y   0, E Z   0
dx dy dz
Ex at (1, 0, 2) = – 8 V/m
Illustration - 16 100
Electric field is given by E  . Calculate the potential difference between x = 10 and
x2
x = 20 m.
SOLUTION :
dV
E  dV   Edx
dx
B B 20
100
  dV    Edx
A A
 VB – VA   
x2
 5 volts.
10
Potential difference = 5 volt.
Illustration - 17 The potential at a point (x, y, z) is given by V  8x 2 y  y 2 z . What will be electric field intensity
at (1, 2, 1)?
SOLUTION :
 V ˆ V ˆ V V
∴ E  V  iˆ j k   16 xy
x y z x
V V
  8 x 2  2 yz   y2
y z

 E =  16 xyiˆ  (8 x 2  2 yz ) ˆj  y 2 (kˆ)

 E (1, 2,1) =  32 iˆ  12 ˆj  4kˆ
Illustration - 18 An oil drop 'B' has charge 1.6 × 10–19C and mass 1.6 × 10–14kg. If the drop is in equilibrium
position, then what will be the potential diff. between the plates.[The distance between the plates is 10mm]
SOLUTION :
For equilibrium, electric force = weight of drop
V mgd 1.6  1014  9.8  10  103

 qE = mg  q   mg  V= 
d q 1.6  1019
V = 9.8 × 103 volt

Equipotential Surface
These are the imaginary surface (drawn in an electric field) where the potential at any point on the surface has the
same value. No two equipotential surfaces ever intersects. Equipotential surfaces are perpendicular to the electric field
lines. Work done in moving a charge from a one point to the other slowly on an equipotential surface is zero
irrespective of the path followed and hence there is no change in kinetic energy of the charge. Component of electric
field parallel to equipotential surface is zero. Nearer the equipotential surfaces, stronger the electric field intensity.
Illustration - 19 Some equipotential surfaces are shown in fig. What is the correct order of electric field intensity?
SOLUTION :
EB > EC > EA, because distance between equipotential surfaces B is maximum.
PRACTICE EXERCISE-3
11. If two charged bodies are connected and no current flows then their potentials are same. Is this true or false.
12. An electron of mass m and charge e is accelerating from rest through a potential difference V in vacuum. What is its final
speed?
13. Find out the points on the line joining two charges +q and – 3q (kept at a distance of 1.0m) where electric potential is zero.
14. The electric potential in a region is represented as, obtain expression for electric field strength.

15. The electric field in a certain region is given by E  5iˆ  3 ˆj KV/m . Find the difference in potential VB – VA. If A is at the
origin and point B is at (0, 0, 5) m.
IN-CHAPTER EXERCISE-C
1. Inside a charged hollow spherical conductor, the potential :

(1) is constant (2) varies directly as the distance from the centre
(3) varies inversely s the distance from the centre
(4) varies inversely as the square of the distance from the centre
2. A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such that the potential on its surface is 10 volt. The potential at the centre
of the sphere is
(1) zero (2) 10 volt
(3) same as at a point 5 cm away from the surface (4) same as at a point 25 cm away from the center

3. A hollow metallic sphere is charged. Inside the sphere:

(1) the potential is zero but the electric field is finite
(2) the electric field is zero but the potential is finite
(3) both the electric field and the potential are finite
(4) both the electric field and the potential are zero
4. Work done in slowly carrying a charge Q1 once round a circle of radius R with a charge Q2 at the centre is:
Q1Q 2 Q1Q 2
(1) (2) zero (3) (4) infinite
40 R 2 40 R
5. The charge Q and –2Q are placed at some distance. The locus of points in the plane of the charges where the potential
is zero will be:
(1) straight line (2) a circle (3) a parabola (4) an ellipse
6. In an electron gun, electrons are accelerated through a potential difference of V volt. Taking electronic charge and mass to
be respectively e and m, the maximum velocity attained by them is
2eV 2 eV
(1)
m
(2)
m
(3) 2m/eV (4) V 2
/ 2em 
7. The electric potential due to a small electric dipole at a large distance r from the centre of the dipole is proportional to:
1 1 1
(1) r (2) (3) (4)
r r5 r2
8. A particle A has charge +q and particle B has charge +4q with each of them having the same mass m. When allowed to fall
from rest through same electrical potential difference, the ratio fo their speeds vA : vB will be
(1) 2 :1 (2) 1:2 (3) 4:1 (4) 1:4
9. Two identical thin rings each of radius R are placed co-axially at a distance R apart. If Q1 and Q2 are respectively the charges
uniformly spread on the two rings, the work doen in moving a charge q from the centre of one ring to that of the other is
(1) zero (2)

q(Q1  Q2 )  2 1 
40 2R
(3)
q(Q1  Q 2 )  2 (4)
q(Q1  Q2 )  2 1 
40 R 40 2R
10. Inside a hollow charged spherical conductor, the potential

(1) Is constant
(2) Varies directly as the distance from the centre
(3) Varies inversely as the distance from the centre
(4) Varies inversely as the square of the distance from the centre

POTENTIAL ENERGY OF CHARGED PARTICLE IN ELECTRIC FIELD Section - 4
(i) Work done in bringing a charge from infinity to a point against the electric field slowly is equal to the potential
energy of that charge.
(ii) Potential energy of a charge at a point is equal to the product of charge and electric potential at that point i.e.
P.E. = qV
(iii) Work done in moving a charge from one point to other in an electric field is equal to change in it's potential energy
i.e. work done in moving Q from A to B = qVB – qVA = UB – UA
VA VB
A B
(iv) Work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to other is equal to potential difference between two
points.
Potential Energy of System :

(i) The electric potential energy of a system of charges is the work that has been done in bringing those charges
from infinity to near each other to form the system.
(ii) If a system is given energy equal to negative of it's potential energy, then all charges will move to infinity. This
negative value of total energy is called the binding energy.
(iii) Energy of a system of two charges PE  1 q1q2 q1 d q2

40 d
1  q1q2 q2 q3 q3 q1 
(iv) Energy of a system of three charges PE     
40  r12 r23 r31 
  n 
1 1  n  qj 
(v) Energy of a system of n charges. PE    i 
q
2 40  i 1  j 1 rij  
  i j 
Work Done in An Electric Field

(i) If electric potential at a point is V then potential energy (PE) of a charge placed at that point will be qV.
(ii) Work done in moving a charge from A to B slowly is equal to change is PE of that charge.
WAB = work done from A to B = PEB – PEA = q (VB – VA)
(iii) Work done in moving a charge slowly along a closed surface in an electric field is zero.
(iv) Total energy remains constant in an electric field i.e. KEA + PEA = KEB + PEB if insce are no external forces
(v) A free charge moves from higher PE to lower PE state in an electric field. Hence
(a) a + ve charge will move form higher potential to lower potential while,
(b) a – ve charge will move form lower potential to higher potential
   
(c) Work done for displacement through r for a charge experiencing a force F  W  F  r

 The work done in carrying a point charge slowly in electric field, does not depend upon the path, because electric field
remains conserved.
 If equal charge q is placed at points r, 2r, 4r, 8r, .........∞ from a point 'P', then potential at 'P' will be
V = 2kq/r
 If +q and –q charges are placed at the ends of a diagonal of a rectangle, of sides a & b, then potential difference between
the ends of another diagonal will be
2kq ( a  b)
V
ab
 If a charged conductor is placed inside a hollow spherical conductor and the conducters are connected by wire with each
other, the entire charge of charged conductor will come at the outer surface of outer conductor to have minimum potential
energy.
 The work done in moving a charged particle slowly does not depend upon the path.
If a charged particle having a charge q and mass m is moving in an electric field between two points having a potential
difference of V volts, then the increase in kinetic energy of the body is
1 2 2qV
mv  Vq or v 
2 m
 If V = 0 at any point, then it is not necessary that the intensity of electric field at that point will also be zero, as in case
of equitorial line of a dipole, V = 0 but E ≠ 0
Illustration - 20 A charge Q is placed at the centre of a circle of a radius 'r'. Find the work done in taking a
charge q from A to diametrically opposite point B.
SOLUTION :
1 Qq
Potential energy of q at A = UA 
4 0 r
1 Qq
PE of q at B  U B  ∴ Work done = UB – UA = 0
4 0 r
Illustration - 21 What will be change in potential energy of q3, in moving it along CD for the following fig?
C
q3
80 cm
q1 q2
D
A 60 cm B
80 cm

SOLUTION :
Potential energy of q3 at C
q q q q 
Uc  k  1 3  3 2  [ BC = 802  60 2 cm  10 4 cm  10 2 cm  1m ]
 0.8 1 
 q1q3 q3 q2   1 1
Potential energy of q3 at D, U D  k    U D  UC  kq2 q3  0.2  1   4k q3 q1
 0.8 0.2   
Illustration - 22 In the following fig, where the charge 'q' must be kept, so that the potential energy of the system
will be minimum.?
9 cm
q
2q 8q
x (9–x)
SOLUTION :
Suppose the charge q is placed at distance x from 2q. Potential energy of the system.
 2qq 8qq 2q  8q 
Uk 2
 2
 
 x  10 (9  x)  10 9  102 
dU
For U to be minimum  0 which gives x = 3cm.
dx
Illustration - 23 The charges of 10μc each are kept at three corners of an equilateral triangle of 10cm side. What
is the potential energy of the system?
SOLUTION :
1 q2 1 q2 1 q2 1 q2
PE of 1 = U1   PE of 2 = U 2  
4 0 r 40 r 4 0 r 4 0 r
1 q2 1 q2 1 3 q2
PE of 3 = U3   PE of system   U1  U 2  U 3   
4 0 r 4 0 r 2 4 0 r
3  9  109 (10  106 ) 2
  27 Joule.
10  102
Illustration - 24 An electron (mass m , charge e) is accelerated through a potential difference of V volt. Find the
final velocity of electron.
SOLUTION :
KEi = 0 PEi = eV1
i  initial
KEf = 1/2 mv2 PEf = eV2 
 f  final
KEi + PEi = KEf + PEf

1
 0 + eV1 = mv2 + eV2
2
1
 mv2 = e (V2 – V1 ) = eV
2
2eV
v
m
Illustration - 25 A charge q moves along the path PQRS in an electric field E P

which is directed towards positive X-axis. P, Q, R, S, have the coordinates (a, b, 0), S Q
E
(2a, 0, 0) (a, –b, 0), (0, 0, 0) respectively. What is the work done by R
electric field in this process?
SOLUTION :
  
E  Eiˆ, F  qE  qEiˆ

displacement  S  (0  a )iˆ  (0  b) ˆj  (0  0)kˆ  aiˆ  bjˆ
 
W  F  S  (aiˆ  bjˆ)  qEiˆ  qEa
PRACTICE EXERCISE-4
16. What is the work done by electric field in moving an alpha particle between two points of potential difference 25 V?
17. Find Vba if 12 J of work has to be done against an electric field to take a charge of 10–2 C from a to b.
18. The work done to transport 20 C charge from points A to another point B over distance of 0.2 m is 2 joule. Find the potential
difference across AB?
19. A ball of mass 1 g and charge 10–8 C moves from point A whose potential is 600 V to the point B whose potential is zero volt.
If velocity of the ball at B is 20 ms–1, what is its velocity at A?
20. What is the work done in moving an electron on equitorial line of electric dipole?
IN-CHAPTER EXERCISE-D
1. If E is the electric field intensity of an electrostatic field, then the electrostatic energy density is proportional to
(1) E (2) E2 (3) 1/E2 (4) E3
2. Three particles, each having a charge of 10–5 C are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side 10 cm.
1
The electrostatic potential energy of the system is (Given  9  109 N-m 2 /C2 )
40
(1) Zero (2) Infinite (3) 27 J (4) 100 J
3. Four equal charges Q are placed at the four corners of a square of each side is `a’. Work done in slowly removing a
charge – Q from its centre to infinity is
2Q2 2Q 2 Q2
(1) 0 (2) (3) (4)
40 a 0 a 2 0 a

4. Two equal charges q are placed at a distance of 2a and a third charge –2q is placed at the midpoint. The potential energy
of the system is
q2 6q 2 7q2 9q 2
(1) (2) (3)  (4)
8 0 a 8 0 a 8 0 a 8 0 a
5. What is the potential energy of the equal positive point charges of 1 C each held 1 m apart in air
(1) 9  103 J (2) 9 103 eV (3) 2eV/m (4) Zero
6. Three charges Q,  q and  q are placed at the vertices of a right-angled isosceles triangle as shown. The net electrostatic
energy of the configuration is zero if Q is equal to Q
q 2q
(1) (2)
1 2 2 2
(3) 2q (4) q +q +q
a
7. If 3 charges are placed at the vertices of equilateral triangle of charge ‘q’ each. What is the net potential energy, if the side
of equilateral  is l cm
1 q2 1 2q 2 1 3q 2 1 4q 2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4 0 l 40 l 4 0 l 40 l
8. If identical charges (–q) are placed at each corner of a cube of side b, then electric potential energy of charge (+q) which
is placed at centre of the cube will be
8 2q 2 8 2q 2 4 2q 2 4 q 2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
40 b 0 b 0 b 3 0 b
9. Two charges q1 and q2 are placed apart, shown in the figure. A third charge is moved along the arc of a circle of radius
q3
40 cm from C to D. The change in the potential energy of the system is k , where k is
40
q3
C
40 cm
q2
q1 D
A 30 cm B
(1) 8 q2 (2) 8 q1 (3) 6 q2 (4) 6 q1
10. If 4  1020 eV energy is required to move a charge of 0.25 coulomb between two points. Then what will be the potential
difference between them:
(1) 178 V (2) 256 V (3) 356 V (4) None of these

MOTION OF A CHARGED PARTICLE IN AN ELECTRIC FIELD Section - 5
Charged particle experience force in an electric field. Magnitude of force on a charge q in an electric field E is
F = qE. Direction of force on a positive charge is same as direction of electric field, while it is opposite to direction
of electric field in case of negative charge.
Uniform Electric Field

Case : 1 Initial velocity is zero or in the direction of electric field F  qE
Acceleration a  qE and velocity is v  u  at

m
1
Distance travelled in time 't'  S  ut  at 2
2
Case : 2 Initial velocity is perpendicular to electric field. Let the initial velocity be along x direction and electric field
along y direction as shown.
Distance travelled in X direction = ut
1 2 qE
Distance travelled in Y direction  at where a
2 m
1 ax 2
Locus of the path followed - Y  (a parabola)
2 u2
Accelerating a charge q through a potential difference V results in
(a) decrease in PE = qV (b) increase in KE = qV
In a non uniform electric field electron accelerates and translates also.
Illustration - 26 An electron is accelerated through 10 eV, what will be the velocity acquired by electron?
SOLUTION :
We know accelerating charge q through v potential difference increase in K.E. = qV
1 2
 mv  10 eV
2
20 eV 2  1.6  1016 10

 v  m/sec.
m 9.1 1031
Illustration - 27 A particle having a charge of 1.6 × 10–19C enters midway between the plates of a parallel plate
capacitor. The initial velocity of particle is parallel to the plates. A potential difference of 300 volts is applied to
the capacitor plates. If the length of the capacitor plate is 10 cm and they and separated by 2 cm. Calculate the
greatest initial velocity for which the particle will not be able to come out of the plates. The mass of particle is
12 × 10–24kg.

SOLUTION :
The situation is shown in fig.
10 cm
+ + + + + + + ++ + + +
u
y = 1 cm
q, m
Here E  Potential difference  300  15000 V

d 2 /100 m
As the particle does not come out its maximum deflection y = 1 cm = 10–2 m
2
1 qE  x  1 qE 2
We know that y  
2 m u
2
  or u  
2 my
x  x  ut 
1 (1.6  10 ) 15000   1 
19 2
   108 ∴ u = 104 m/s


  
2 12  1024 102  10 
ELECTRIC FLUX
It is denoted by ` ' . It is a scalar quantity. It is defined as the total number of lines of force passing normally
 
through a curved surface placed in the field. It is given by the dot product of E and normal infinitesimal area ds
 
integrated over a closed surface, d   E  ds
 
   E  ds   E ds cos 
where θ = angle between electric field and normal to the area 

ds
(a) if θ = 0, φ = Eds (maximum) 
 E
(b) if θ = 90°, φ = zero
SI Unit is (a) Newton - metre2 / coulomb. S
(b) Volt - meter

The dimensional formula is [M L3 T–3 A–1]. Flux due to a positive change goes out of the surface while that due
to negative change comes into the surface. Flux entering is taken as positive while flux leaving is taken as negative.
Value of electric flux is independent of shape and size of the surface. Flux is associated with all vectors. If only a
dipole is present in the surface then net flux is zero. Net flux through a closed surface kept in a uniform electric field
is zero. Net flux through a closed surface is zero does not imply that intensity of electric field is also zero.
GAUSS'S LAW
This law states that electric flux φE through any closed surface is equal to 1/ε0
times the net charge 'q' enclosed by the surface i.e
Q
  q
 E   E  ds 
0

Note :
The closed surface can be hypothetical, and then it is called a Gaussian surface.
If the closed surface enclosed a number of charges q1, q2 ........... qn etc. then q1 q2
  q  q1  q2  ...qn 
   E  ds   q3 q4
0 0
Flux is
(i) Independent of distances between charges inside the closed surface and their distribution.
(ii) Independent of shape , size and nature of closed surface.
(iii) Dependent on charges enclosed by closed surface, their nature and on the medium.
(iv) Net flux due to a charge outside the closed surface will be zero.
(v) If ΣQ = 0 , then φ = 0 but it is not necessary that E = 0
(vi) Gauss law is valid only for the vector fields which obey inverse square law
(vii) Gauss's and coulomb's law are relatable.
Note -
(i) A charge q is placed at the centre of a cube, then
q
(a) Total flux through cube 
0
q
(b) Flux through each face 
6 0
q
(ii) A charge q is placed at the centre of a face of a cube, then total flux through cube 
20
q
(iii) Now, q is placed at a corner then the flux through cube will be 
80
Illustration - 28 A hemispherical surface of radius R is kept in a uniform electric field E such that E is parallel
to the axis of hemi-sphere, then the total flux from the surface will be
SOLUTION :
 
   E  ds  E  R 2 = (E) (Area of surface perpendicular to E) = E. πR2.

Illustration - 29 A rectangular surface of length 4m and breadth 2m is kept in an electric field of 20 N/c. Angle between
the surface and electric field is 30°. What is flux through this surface?

Note : Angle between surface and E is given to be 30º. This is not the 'θ' used in our formula 'θ' is the angle between

normal to surface and E . So here θ = 90° – 30° = 60º.
SOLUTION :
  EA cos   20  8cos 60  80 V-m
Illustration - 30 In the following figure, find out the electric flux

q4
emerging through S1 and S2 where S3
q1 q2
q1  1C, q2  2C, q3   3C S1 q3
S2
SOLUTION :
q1 10 6
s    1.13  105 V.m
o 8.85  10 12
q1  q3 (2  3)  106
2    11.3 105 V.m
0 8.85  10 12
Illustration - 31 A charge 'q' is placed at the centre of a cube of side 'a'. If the total flux passing through cube
and each of its face be f1 and f2 resepctivele\y then find f1 : f2.
SOLUTION :
When q is placed at the centre of cube then total flux passing through cube is q
f1 
0
q
and flux through each face is f 2 
6 0
f1 6
 
f2 1
Illustration - 32 If charges q/2 and 2q are placed at the centre of face and at the corner, of a cube. What is the
total flux through cube?
SOLUTION :
q/2 q
Flux through cube, when q/2 is placed at the centre of face, is 1  
2 0 4 0
2q q
Flux through cube , which 2q is placed at the corner of cube, is 2  
80 4 0
q q 1 q
Total flux  1  2   
4 0 4 0 2 0

Illustration - 33 Flux entering a closed surface is 2000Vm. Flux leaving that surface is 8000 Vm. Find the charge
inside surface.
SOLUTION :
Net flux = φout – φin
 in  out
q
φ = (8000 - 2000) = 6000 V-m   
0
q  (6000)(8.85  1012 )  0.053 C
PRACTICE EXERCISE-5
21. An electric dipole is placed at the centre of a sphere. Find the electric flux passing through the sphere?
22. Net charge within an imaginary cube drawn in a uniform electric field is always zero. Is this statement true or false?
23. A hemispherical body of radius R is placed in a uniform electric field E. What is the flux linked with the curved surface if, the
field is parallel to the base?
24. In the above question, if field is perpendicular to the base, then what is the flux linked with the curved surface?
 3 4
25. The electric field in a region is given by E  E 0 iˆ  E 0 ˆj with E 0  2.0 103 N/C. Find the flux of this field through a
5 5
rectangular surface of area 0.2 m2 parallel to the Y-Z plane.
IN-CHAPTER EXERCISE-E
1. A charge Q is situated at the centre of a cube. The electric flux through one of the faces of the cube is:
(1) (Q / 0 ) (2) (Q / 20 ) (3) (Q / 40 ) (4) (Q / 60 )
2. A charge q is placed at the centre of the open end of a cylindrical vessel. The flux of the electric field through the surface
of the vessel is:
(1) zero (2) (q / 0 ) (3) ( q / 2 0 ) (4) (2q / 0 )
3. A hemispherical surface of radius R is placed with its cross-section perpendicular to a uniform electric field E as shown
in figure. Flux linked with its curved surface is E
(1) zero (2) 2R 2 E

(3) R 2 E (4) (E/20 )
R
4. Figure shows a hemisphere of radius `R’. A point charge q is kept at distance `y’ above the centre such that y  0.
Electric flux through the curved surface is q
y
q q
(1) 2 0 R (2) 2 0 R O
q q
(3) 0 R (4) 20
5. In the previous question, electric flux through the flat surface is :

q q q q
(1) 2 0 R (2) 0 R (3) 0 R (4) 20

R
6. A cylinder of radius and length L is placed in a uniform electric field E parallel to the cylinder's axis. The total flux for
20
the surface of the cylinder is given by:
(1) 2R 2 E (2) R 2 /E (3) 
R 2 + R 2 / E (4) zero 

7. Consider an electric field E  E 0 xˆ, where E0 is a constant. The flux through the shaded area (as shown in the figure) due
to this field is :
Z
(a, 0, a) (a, a, a)
Y
(0, 0, 0) (0, a, 0)
X
2 2 2
E0 a 2
(1) 2E0 a (2) 2E 0 a (3) E0 a (4)
2
8. Total electric flux coming out of a imaginary surface enclosing a unit positive charge put in air is:
 40 
1
(1) 0 (2)  0 1 (3) (4) 40
9. A charged body has an electric flux  associated with it. The body is now placed inside a metallic container. The electric
flux φ1 outside the container will be
(1) 1  0 (2) 0  1   (3) 1   (4) 1  
10. The application of Gauss’ theorem gives rise to an easy evolution of electric field in the case of
(1) a charged body of any geometrical configuration
(2) a charged body of regular geometrical configuration
(3) revolving charged bodies
(4) charges forming dipoles
Electric field due to a charged conducting sphere/ Hollow conducting or hollow insulating sphere having uniform
charge density.
(i) In all the three type of spheres, charge resides only on the outer surface of the sphere in order to remain in
minimum potential energy state.
+ + +
++ +
Case: 1 OP  r , r  R + +
+
+
+ r +
 +
1 q  R 2 rˆ + O + p
E ˆ
r  + +q
4r 2  0 0 r 2 + R +
+ +
+ +
+ +
(  = surface charge density) + + +

 
Case: 2 r= R E  rˆ
0

Case: 3 r<R E0
i.e. At point interior to a conducting or a hollow sphere, electric field intensity is zero.
(ii) For points outside the sphere , it behaves like all the charge is present at the centre.
(iii) Intensity of electric field is maximum at the surface
(iv) Electric field at the surface is always perpendicular to the surface.

(v) For points, near the surface of the conductor, E 
0
perpendicular to the surface
(vi) Graphically,
1
Er E
r2
E=0 r
r<R r=R r> R
Electric potential
1 Q R
Case: 1 r < R Vin  
40 R 0
1 Q R
Case: 2 r = R Vsurface  
40 R 0
1 Q R 2
Case : 3 r > R Vout  
4 0 r 0 r
(i) For points interior to a conducting or on a kQ

V
charged hollow sphere, potential is same R
everywhere and equal to the potential at the V kQ
V
surface. r
(ii) at r= ∞,V= 0 r=R r

 
Note : Here, we see that E inside the sphere is zero but V ≠ 0. So E = 0 does not imply V = 0. This presents a good
example for it. Similarly V = 0 does not imply E = 0.
Illustration - 34 When a charged conductor Q is placed inside a hollow conductor P, in such a way that it touches
P, then, what will be the charge on the outer surface of P?
SOLUTION :
To keep minimum potential energy, whole of the charge of Q will transfer on the outer surface of P.

Electric field due to solid insulating sphere

A charge given to a solid insulating sphere is distributed equally throughout its volume
Electric Field
 1 Q
Case: 1 r > R (point is outside the sphere) E  rˆ
40 r 2
Q P
o
 1 Q
Case: 2 r = R (point is at the surface) E  rˆ  E max  E surface
40 R 2
 1 Q r
Case: 3 r < R (point is inside the sphere) E  r rˆ 
40 R 3 30
Ein ∝ r, at r = 0, E = 0
(i) Graphically
Er
Esurface
1
E
r

r2
E
r
r< R r=R r>R
(ii) Again, for points outside the sphere, it behaves as all the charge is
present at the centre
(iii) For points outside, it obeys inverse square law
(iv) Intensity of electric field at infinity is zero.
1 Q
(v) Intensity at the surface is maximum and is equal to 4 2
0 R

(vi) Again, E is perpendicular to the surface at the surface .
(vii) Intensity is zero at the centre and for points inside the sphere, it is directly proportional to distance of the point
from the centre
Electric Potential
1 Q
Case: 1 r > R Vout 
40 r
1 Q
Case : 2 r = R Vsurface 
40 R
1 Q(3R 2  r 2 )
Case : 3 r < R Vin 
4 0 2R 3

3 1 Q
Vcentre  (Important)
2 40 R
Vcentre = 3/2 Vsurface

(i) Graphically
kQ(3R 2  r 2 )
3 V 
V0
Para bola 3R
3
2
V0 kQ
V
R
V 1 Q
hyperbola V 
4  0 r
O r=R
r<R r>R
(ii) Again, Ecentre = 0, but Vcentre ≠ 0.

(iii) Electric potential at infinity is zero.
(iv) Electric potential is maximum at the centre
1
 Potential due to a monopole charge V
x
1
 Potential due to dipole charge V
x2
 The electric potential of a charged conductor is same at inner and outer surfaces
 If E = 0 at any point then it is not necessary that the electrostatic potential at that point will also be zero. It may be
finite, as in case of the interior point of a uniformly charged conducting sphere, E = 0 but V ≠ 0.
Illustration - 35 A solid insulating sphere of radius R is given a charge. If inside the sphere at a point the
potential is 1.5 times that of the potential at the surface, locate the point
SOLUTION :
Potential at the centre of insulating sphere is given by Vin  1 Q(3R 2  r 2 ) .......(1)

4 0 2R 3
and on the surface, Vsurface  1 Q .......(2)

40 R
3
given that, Vin  Vsurface
2
Q(3R 2  r 2 ) 3 Q
   r 0
2R 3 2R
Hence the point will be at the centre.

Illustration - 36 Two concentric spheres of radii r & R (r < R) are given the charges q and Q respectively as shown
in figure given. Find the potential and potential difference between two spheres.
r
1
R
2
SOLUTION :
Potential at the inner sphere = potential due to inner + potential due to outer sphere
1 q 1 Q
 V1  
40 r 40 R
(potential at points inside is same everywhere and is equal to potential at the surface).
Potential at outer sphere
V2 = potential due to inner + potential due to outer sphere
1 q 1 Q
 
40 R 40 R
1 q q 
 potential difference = V1 – V2    
40  r R 
q 1 1 
 V    
40 r R
Note : Here, we see that 'ΔV' depends only on the charge of inner sphere.
Illustration - 37 In the following fig, of charged spheres A, B & C with charge densities are σ, –σ & σ and radii
a, b & c respectively, find be the value of VA, VB & VC?
c b
+
+ –
B A a
C
SOLUTION :
a b c a 2 b c
VA     VB   
0 0 0  0 b 0  0 c b
+
–
+
a 2 b 2 c B A a
 VC    C
 0 c 0 c  0

Illustration - 38 In the above example if VA = VC then what will be relation among a.b & c?
SOLUTION :
 VA = VC ....(1)

VA  [a  b  c]
0
  a2 b2 
 VC     c Now from (1), c = a + b
0  c c 
Illustration - 39 A solid conducting sphere with a charge Q is placed concentrically inside a second uncharged
hollow sphere. Potential difference between the two is V. Now , outer sphere is given a charge of –3q. What will
be the potential difference?
SOLUTION :
V, since 'ΔV' depends only on the charge of the inner sphere which is not changed.
Electric field due to infinitely long charge

(i) A long wire is given a line charge density λ.
(ii) If wire is positively charged, direction of E will be away from the wire while for a negatively charged wire, direction

of E will be towards the wire.
(iii) E at point p +
+
+
+
+ +
r P
 + +
  + +
E rˆ or E
20 r 20 r
V Hyperbola
(iv)
O r
  r2 
(v) Potential difference between points A (r1) & B(r2) = VA – VB  2 ln  r 
0  1
Illustration - 40 A charge q is rotating along a circle of radius r around an infinitely long wire with a line charge
density λ. Find the velocity of charge
SOLUTION :
 mv 2 
Here centripetal force  r  is being provided by the electric force of attraction, so
 
mv 2 q q
 qE   v
r 2 0 r 20 m
mv2
[When a charged particle moves along circular orbit in electric field, the following formula is generally used  qE]
r

APPLICATION OF GAUSS'S THEOREM Section - 6
Electric field at a point due to an infinite sheet of charge (Thin sheet)

 
If σ = surface charge density. Intensity at points near to the sheet = E  rˆ
2 0
+ +
+ + 
+ E
r
 o r
E
+
+ +
+ +
Direction of electric field is perpendicular to the sheet of charge. Intensity of electric field does not depend upon the
distance of points from the sheet, for the points in front of sheet. There is an equipotential surface parallel to the charged
sheet. Potential difference between two points A & B at distances r1 & r2 respectively is

VA  VB   r2  r1 
2 0
Electric field due to infinite charged metal sheet (Thick sheet)
  
Intensity at points near the sheet  E  rˆ where   surface charge density. E is independent of distance of the
0
point from the sheet and also of the area of sheet i.e. There is an equipotential surface parallel to the sheet. Direction
of electric field is perpendicular to the sheet. Potential difference between two point A (r1) and B (r2) (r1 < r2) near

the sheet is V  VA  VB  (r2  r1 )
0
Electric field due to two infinite parallel plates of charge (Thin sheet)
 
(i) Both plates have same type of charge E 0  E1  E 2      
2 0 2 0  0
  + 1 + 2
 
E p  E1  E 2   0   + +
2 0 2 0 E2 E1 +   +
E 2 E1
+ + R  
     O + P + E2 E1
E R  E1  E 2    + +
20 20 0
+ +
(ii) Two plates have opposite type of charge 1 2
   
E O  E1  E 2   0
2 0 2 0 + 1 – 2
+   – R
 
     E 2 E1 + E1 E 2 –
 
E P  E1  E 2    +
P
–
E 2 E1
20 20 0 O + –
+ –
+ –
    1 2
E R  E1  E 2   0
2 0 2 0

The electric field due to uniformly charged ring
1 Qx
(i) Intensity of electric field at a distance x from the centre of ring along it's axis E 
 
3/ 2
40 R 2  x 2
1 Q cos 
E and it's direction will be along the axis of the ring
40 r 2
dl
r
R
 dE cos  axis of
O x P  the ring
dE
(ii) Intensity will be zero at the centre of the ring.
(iii) Intensity will be maximum at a distance R / 2 from the centre, and
2 1 Q
E max    2
3 3 40 R
1 Q
(iv) Electric potential at a distance x from centre, V 
40 (x  R2 )
2
1 Q
(v) Electric potential will be maximum at the centre, and Vmax 
40 R
Illustration - 41 Two symmetrical rings of radius R each are placed coaxially, at a distance R meter. These rings
are given the charges Q1 & Q2 respectively, uniformly. What will be the work done in moving a charge q from center
of one ring to centre of the other?
SOLUTION :
Work done = q (V2 – V1)
Potenital at the centre of first ring
1 Q1 1 Q2 1  Q2 
V1     Q1  
4 0 R 4 0 R R 2 2
4 0 R  2
Q1 Q2
1 r  2,R 2
R
q q
A B
R
R

Potential at the centre of second ring, V2
1 Q2 1 Q1 1  Q1 
V2     Q2  
4 0 R 4 0 R  R2
2
4 0  2
q  Q1 Q 
Work done  q (V2  V1 )   Q1   Q1  2 
4 0  2 2
q  1 
W1 2   Q 2  Q1    1
40 R  2 
q  1 
W2 1  (Q1  Q 2 )  1  
4 0 R  2
Uniformly charged semi-circular arc


E centre 
20 R
Q
Q R
where l = linear charge density 
R 
1 Q
Vcentre 
40 R
ELECTRIC DIPOLE
(i) A system consisting of two equal and opposite charges separated by a small distance is termed as an electric
dipole.
d
– +
–q  +q
p
Example : Na+Cl - , H+ Cl - etc.

(ii) An isolated atom is not a dipole because centre of positive charge coincides with centre of negative charges.
But if atom is placed in an electric field, then the positive and negative centres are displaced relative to each other
and atom become a dipole.
(iii) DIPOLE MOMENT : The product of the magnitude of charges and distance between them is called the dipole
moment.
(a) This is a vector quantity which is directed from negative to positive charge.
(b) Unit : Coulomb - metre (Cm)
(c) Dimension : [M0 L1 T1A1]
 
(d) It is denoted by p that is p  qd

Electric field due to a dipole
(i) There are two components of electric field at any point


(a) Er → in the direction of r
(b) Eθ → in the direction perpendicular to r Er
E
E 
2 p cos 
Er  P
40 r 3
r
1  p sin   
E   3 
40  r  –q O q
(ii) Resultant
p
E  E 2r  E 2  1  3cos 2 
40 r 3
 
(iii) Angle between the resultant E and r , α is given by
E  1 
  tan 1     tan 1  tan  
E
 r  2 
(iv) If θ = 0, i.e point is on the axis -
2 p
E axial   3
40 r
θ = 0, i.e. along the axis.

(v) If θ = 90º, i.e. point is on the line bisecting the dipole perpendicularly
1 p
E equatorial  
40 r 3
(vi) So, Eaxis = 2Eequatorial (for same r)
1 2pr
(vii) E axis   2 2 2
40 (r  l )
1 p
E equator  
 
3/ 2
40 r 2  l 2
where p = q . (2l), and r is the distance of point from centre of dipole.

  
1 q(2l ) cos  1 p cos  1 p  rˆ 1 pr
(viii) V       
40 r2 40 r2 40 r 2 40 r 3
 
where θ is the angle between p and r .
qd
(ix) If   0, Vaxis 
40  r 2

(x) If θ = 90º,   90, Vequatorial  0

(xi) Here we see that V = 0 but E ≠ 0 for points at equator
(xii) Again, if r >> d is not true and d = 2l,
1 p
Vaxis  

40 r 2  l 2 
Vequator  0
Note :
(i) This is not essential that at a point, where E = 0 , V will also be zero there. For example inside a uniformly charged
sphere, E = 0 but V ≠ 0
(ii) Also if V = 0 , it is not essential for E to be zero. For example in equatorial position of dipole V = 0, but E ≠ 0
Electric Dipole In an Electric Field - Uniform Electric Field
(i) When an electric dipole is placed in an uniform electric dipole, a torque acts on it which subjects the dipole to
rotatory motion. This torque is given by τ = pE sin θ or
  
  pE
(ii) Potential energy of the dipole

 
U   pE cos   p  E
Cases :
   
(a) If θ = 0º, i.e. p || E,   0 and U   p.E, dipole is in the minimum potential energy state and no torque acting
on it and hence it is in the stable equilibrium state.
+q
F
2l
2l sin 
E
–q 
F
 
(b) For θ = 180º, i.e. p and E are in opposite direction, then τ = 0 but U = pE which is maximum potential energy
state. Although it is in equilibrium but it is not a stable state and a slight movement can disturb it. Hence it is
said to be unstable equilibrium.
 
(c)   90, i.e., p  E, then
τ = pE (maximum) and U = 0
Note :
(a) There is no net force acting on the dipole in a uniform electric field.
(b) Dipole can only perform rotatory motion.
(c) If dipole is placed in a nonuniform electric field, it performs rotatory as well as translatory motion because now
a net force also acts on the dipole along with the torque. (important)

Work done in rotating an electric dipole in an electric field

(i) To rotate the dipole by an angle θ from the state of stable equilibrium W = pE (1 – cos θ).
(ii) Work done in rotating the dipole from θ1 to θ2 in an uniform electric field
W  pE  cos 1  cos 2 
(iii) Work done in rotating the dipole through 1800 from stable equilibrium state
W = 2 pE = 2 (potential energy)
IN-CHAPTER EXERCISE-F
1. An electric dipole when placed in a uniform electric field E will have minimum potential energy, if the positive direction of
dipole moment makes the following angle with E:
(1)  (2) /2 (3) Zero (4) 3 / 2
2. A given charge is situated at a certain distance from an electric dipole in the end-on position experiences a force F. If the
distance of the charge is doubled, the force acting on the charge will be:
(1) 2F (2) F/2 (3) F/4 (4) F/8
3. The electric potential at a point on the axis of an electric dipole depends on the distance r of the point from the dipole as:
1 1 1
(1)  (2)  (3) r (4) 
2
r r r3
4. An electric dipole of moment p is placed in the position of stable equilibrium in uniform electric field of intensity E. It is
rotated through an angle  from the initial position. The potential energy of electric dipole in the final position is:
(1) pE cos  (2) pE sin  (3) pE (1  cos ) (4)  pE cos 
5. An electric dipole is kept in non-uniform electric field. It experiences:
(1) A force and a torque (2) A force but not a torque
(3) A torque but not a force (4) Neither a force nor a torque
6. An electric dipole consisting of two opposite charges of 2  106 C each separated by a distance of 3cm is placed in an
electric field of 2  10 5 N/C. The maximum torque on the dipole will be:
(1) 12  101 N m (2) 12  103 N m (3) 24  101 N m (4) 24  103 N m
 
7. An electric dipole of moment p is placed normal to the lines of force of electric intensity E , then the work done in
deflecting it through an angle of 180° is:
(1) pE (2)  2 pE (3) 2 pE (4) Zero
8. The distance between the two charges +q and –q of a dipole is r. On the axial line at a distance d from the centre of dipole,
the intensity is proportional to:
q qr q qr
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4)
d d d d3
9. An electron and a proton are at a distance of 1Å . The moment of this dipole will be (C × m):
(1) 1.6  1019 (2) 1.6  1029 (3) 3.2  1019 (4) 3.2  10 29
10. The electric field due to a dipole at a distance r on its axis is:
(1) Directly proportional to r 3 (2) Inversely proportional to r 3
(3) Directly proportional to r 2 (4) Inversely proportional to r 2

Note : In all of the above discussion, θ is taken to be a positive charge and accordingly the direction of electric
field is decided. If θ was negative, all the directions would have been opposite to what they are.
 The dipole placed in a uniform electric field experiences torque, and the net force acting on it is zero.Therefore in uniform
electric field the dipole has rotatory motion only and no translatory motion.
 When electric dipole is placed in non-uniform field it experiences torque as well as net force, therefore it has rotatory
as well as translatory motion.
Illustration - 42 E is the intensity of electric field at distance x (axial condition) from the centre of an electric dipole.
If the same intensity is at a point at a distance x' on perpendicular bisector of dipole, from its centre, relate x and x'
SOLUTION :
Given, Eaxis = Eequitorial
2p p
 k 3
k 3  x' = x/21/3
x x'
 
Illustration - 43 An electric dipole is placed in a uniform electric field E . What must be the angle between E and
dipole, so that dipole has minimum potential energy?
SOLUTION :
Zero.  U   p E cos 
For U to be minimum θ = 0
  Umin =  pE, and   0
Illustration - 44 A dipole with dipole moment p is placed in an electric field E. The dipole is displaced from its
equilibrium position AB to A'B' as shown in fig. What will be the work required, so that the point A' coincids with
B?
E
+q A'
0
–q 30°
B0 O +q0 A
–q 0 B'
E
SOLUTION :
When the dipole is rotated such that it acquires a new position A'B' form position AB then θ1 = 300
Now if dipole is rotated through 1800 from its position AB then θ2 = 1800
Now from figure work done in rotating the dipole form position A'B' so that the point A' coincides with B, is
W = PE [cosθ1 – cosθ2] = PE [cos 300 – cos 1800]
 3   32
 PE   (1)    
2 
   2 

FORCE ON THE SURFACE OF A CHARGED CONDUCTOR


(i) If surface charge density on a surface is σ, then electric field intensity at a point near this surface is .
0
(ii) When a conductor is charged, then it's entire surface experiences an outward force perpendicular to the surface.
(iii) The force per unit area of the charged surface is called as the electrical pressure
2
Pelectrical  N/m 2 .
2 0
(iv) The direction of this force is perpendicular to the surface.
Energy associated with the electric field

(i) The energy stored per unit volume around a point in an electric field E is given by
1
U 0 E 2
2
This is also called energy density
(ii) If in place of vacuum, some medium is present, then
1
U 0  r E 2 .
2
(iii) For the electric field around a charged conducting sphere
1 2 q2
U  0  4
32 R
(iv) The force of attraction per unit area between plates of parallel plate capacitor is
q2
F
2 0
(v) Energy associated with the electric field between plates of parallel plate capacitor is
1  
U   0 E 2  (Ad) where E 
2  0
(vi) Work done in charging a parallel plate capacitor is stored as the energy in electric field between plates.
Drop of a charged liquid

If n identical drops each having a charge q and radius r coalesce to form a single large drop of radius R and charge
Q, then
(a) Charge will be conserved i.e. nq = Q
4 4
(b) Volume will be conserved i.e. n  r 3  R 3 or R  n1/3 r
3 3
1 q
(c) Potential of each small drop  V  
40 r

1 Q
(d) Potential of large drop V '   V '  n2/3 V
40 R
1 q
(e) Electric field at surface of small drop E   2
40 r
1 Q
(f) Electric field at surface of large drop E '   2 , E' = n1/3 E.
40 R
 The charge density and intensity of electric field is greater at the sharper end, but the electric potential remains same
at all the points.
 A sphere of 1 m radius, can not be given charge of 1 coulomb, because the electric field intensity at the surface of sphere
will be 9 × 1011 V/m. In air the electric field intensity greater than 3 × 106 V/m, ionizes the air, and the charge of sphere
starts leaking.
 The electric field inside a charged conductor is zero.
Illustration - 45 1000 equal drops of radius 1cm, and charge 1 × 10–6 C are fused to form one bigger drop.
Calculate the ratio of potential of bigger drop to the potential of smaller drop, and the electric field intensity on
the surface of bigger drop
SOLUTION :
Let the potential of one smaller drop be V then potential of bigger drop, is V' = n2/3 V
 V' V' : V = 100 : 1

 n 2/3  (1000) 2/3  100 
V
Also let the electric field on the surface of smaller drop be E then electric field on bigger drop is
kq 9  109  1 10 6
E '  n1/3 E  n1/3  (1000)1/3 2 2
 9  107 V/m
r 2
(1  10 )
1/3
1/3  q 
[Note : also charge density of bigger drop  '     2  ]
 4R 
PRACTICE EXERCISE-6
26. Two concentric metallic spheres of radii r1 and r2 (r1 > r2) contain charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. What is the potential at
a distance x, between r1 and r2?
27. A ring made of wire of radius 10 cm is charged negatively and carries a charge of –5 × 10–9 C. What is the distance from the
centre to the point on the axis of the ring, where the intensity of the electric field is maximum?
28. Two charges, each of 2 × 10–7 C but opposite in sign form a system. These charges are located at points A (0, 0, –10) cm and
B (0, 0,+10) cm respectively. What is the electric dipole moment of the system?
29. A solid metal sphere of radius 50 cm carries a charge of 25 × 10–10C. What is the electrostatic potential at a distance of
20 cm from the centre?
30. An electric dipole when held at 30° with respect to a uniform electric field of 104 N/C experienced a torque of 9 × 10–26 Nm.
Calculate dipole moment of the dipole.

IN-CHAPTER EXERCISE-G
1. In the absence of other conductors, the surface charge density

(1) Is proportional to the charge on the conductor and its surface area
(2) Inversely proportional to the charge and directly proportional to the surface area
(3) Directly proportional to the charge and inversely proportional to the surface area
(4) Inversely proportional to the charge and the surface area
2. An isolated solid metallic sphere is given +Q charge. The charge will be distributed on the sphere
(1) Uniformly but only on surface (2) Only on surface but non-uniformly
(3) Uniformly inside the volume (4) Non-uniformly inside the volume
3. There are two metallic spheres of same radii but one is solid and the other is hollow, then
(1) Solid sphere can be given more charge (2) Hollow sphere can be given more charge
(3) They can be charged equally (maximum) (4) None of the above
4. A conductor has 14.4 1019 coulombs positive charge. The conductor has
(Charge on electron  1.6 1019 coulombs )
(1) 9 electrons in excess (2) 27 electrons in short
(3) 27 electrons in excess (4) 9 electrons in short
5. A charge of Q coulomb is placed on a solid piece of metal of irregular shape. The charge will distribute itself
(1) Uniformly in the metal object (2) Uniformly on the surface of the object
(3) Such that the potential energy of the system is minimised
(4) Such that the total heat loss is minimised
6. Four metal conductors having different shapes
1. A sphere 2. Cylindrical 3. Pear 4. Lightning conductor
are mounted on insulating stands and charged. The one which is best suited to retain the charges for a longer time is
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4
7. The electric field near a conducting surface having a uniform surface charge density  is given by
 2
(1) and is parallel to the surface (2) and is parallel to the surface
0 0
 2
(3) and is normal to the surface (4) and is normal to the surface
0 0
8. A hollow conducting sphere of radius R has a charge (+Q) on its surface. What is the electric potential within the sphere at
R
a distance r  from its centre
3
1 Q 1 Q 1 Q
(1) Zero (2) 40 r (3) 40 R (4) 40 r 2
9. A conducting sphere of radius 5 cm is given a charge 1.6 × 10–11C. What is the electric field at centre?
(1) 3.6  106 N/C (2) 1.8  106 N/C (3) Zero (4) 0.9  106 N/C
10. A thin spherical conducting shell of radius R has a charge q. Another charge Q is placed at the centre of the shell.
R
The electrostatic potential at a point p a distance from the centre of the shell is
2
(q  Q) 2 2Q 2Q 2q 2Q q
(1) (2) (3)  (4) 
40 R 40 R 40 R 40 R 40 R 40 R

Capacitance Vidyamandir Classes
Capacitance
CAPACITANCE Section - 7
When a conductor is given a charge (Q), it's potential (V) rises and is proportional to the charge given i.e.
Q ∝ V or Q = CV or C = Q/V
This C is a constant and is called the capacitance of conductor. Electrical capacitance of a conductor is a measure
of it's ability to hold electric charge. A given conductor can be charged to a limit. Charging after the limit results into
ionization of medium, and charge gets leaked into medium.
C depends on :
(a) Size and shape of conductor, (b) Surrounding medium and (c) Presence of other conductor near by
Unit of C is coulomb/volt which is Farad
If potential of a conductor rises by 1 volt as a result of charging by 1 coulomb , then capacitance of that conductor
is said to be 1 Farad. The dimensional formula of capacitace (C) is [M–1 L–2 T4 A2].
CGS unit : 9 × 1011 statfarad = 1 Farad
Capacitance of an isolated spherical conductor

Let Q be charge on the sphere, V be potential at the surface of sphere and R be radius of sphere
Q Q
The potential on the surface is given by V  also V  hence C  40 R
40 R C + + +
+ +
+ +
If permittivity of medium is K, then Cm  40 KR + R
+
+
+ +
C∝R,C∝K + +
+ +
C does not depend upon the charge given to the conductor +
C  4 0 R +Q
+ +
+ + +
+ +
C
Here, we see that C  4 0 R   0   units of 0 = Farad/meter
4R
Illustration - 46 Two conducting spheres, one being hollow and another solid, have equal radius. If they are
charged to V volt, which one of the two will acquire more charge?
SOLUTION :
Both will acquire same charge
∴ C ∝ R, the capacitance of both the spheres is same, so charge will be same on both. [ ∴ Q = CV]
Illustration - 47 64 water drops having equal charges & equal radius combine to form one bigger drop. Find the
capacity of bigger drop, as compared to that of smaller drop.
SOLUTION :
4 4
 R 3  64  r 3 ⇒ R = 4r ⇒ 4πε R = 4 × 4πε r ⇒ C
3 3 0 0 Bigger = 4 Csmaller

Vidyamandir Classes Capacitance
ENERGY OF A CHARGED CONDUCTOR

The work done in charging the conductor gets stored as potential energy in the electric field in the vicinity of
q
the conductor. Suppose, a conductor is given a charge q, then potential of conductor  V 
C
q
Work done to bring a further charge dq is given by dw  Vdq  dq
C
Q
So, work done to charge it from 0 to Q is W  1 Q2 1 1
C0 q dq   CV 2  QV.
2C 2 2
Distribution of Charges
Two insulated conductors A and B of capacitances C1 and C2 are given charges q1 and q2 and raised to potential
V1 and V2 respectively. Then q1 = C1V1 and q2 = C2V2. When, these conductors are joined by a thin wire, then
positive charge will flow from the conductor at higher potential to conductor at lower potential till their potentials
become equal. Charge remains conserved in this process i.e. If q'1 and q'2 are charges after distribution and V the
potential on each conductor then
q'1 = C1V and q'2 = C2V and C1V1 + C2V2 = C1V + C2V
Total charge C V  C2 V2
V  1 1
Total capacitance C1  C2
q1 C1
On connecting two conductors, the charges on them are in the ratio of their capacitances i.e. 
q2 C 2
Loss of energy while sharing charges
1 C1C2
U  U initial  U final  U  (V1  V2 ) 2
2 C1  C2
This energy appears partly as heat in the connecting wire and partly as light and sound if sparking occurs.
Note : If V1 = V2 , ΔU = 0 i.e. There is no loss of energy on connecting two conductors at the same potential.
Illustration - 48 The radii of two charged metallic spheres are 15 cm and 10 cm. Each has a positive charge of
150 micro coulomb. They connected by a conducting wire. Calculate the common potential of the spheres after
connecting and the quantity of charge on each.
SOLUTION :
1
The capacity of a sphere of radius a meter is 4πε0 a farad where  9.0 109 N-m 2 / C2 .
40
1 15
Capacity of the first sphere, C1   (0.15)   1011 farad.
9.0  10 9
9

Capacity of the second sphere C 2  1 10

 (0.10)  1011 farad.
9.0  109 9
The charge on each is 150 μC, that is. q1 = q2 = 150 × 10-6 coulomb.
Common potential after connecting is given by
q1  q2 (150 106 )  (150  106 ) 300  106

V    1.08  107 volt.
C1  C2  15 11   10 11  25 11
  10     10  10
9  9  9
 15 11 
Now, charge on the first sphere q1  C1V    10  (1.08  10 )
7
 9 
= 180 × 10–6 coulomb = 180 micro-coulomb: and charge on the second sphere
 10 
q2  C2 V    1011  (1.08  107 ) = 120 × 10–6 coulomb = 120 μc
9 
Illustration - 49 Two isolated metallic solid spheres of radii R and 2R are charged such both of these have same
charge density σ. The spheres are located far away from each other and connected by a thin conduction wire. Find
the new charge density on the bigger sphere.
SOLUTION :
Let charge on the sphere '1' = Q1 and charge on the sphere '2' = Q2
Q1 Q2
Charge density on sphere '1'  and charge density on sphere '2' 
4  2R 
2
4R 2
It is given that the charge density on both the sphere is same
Q1 Q2
∴   .....(1)
4R 2 4  4R 2
∴ Q2 = 4Q1
When the spheres are connected by a thin conducting wire, the redistribution of charges takes place so that both
spheres get common potential and new charges on the spheres are according to their capacitance
Q '1 C1 Q '1  Q '2 C1  C2

∴ New charges;  ⇒  ....(2) [Adding 1 in both sides]
Q '2 C 2 Q '2 C2
Law of conservation of charges gives us Q '1  Q '2  Q1  Q 2 = Q1 + 4Q1 (because Q2 = 4Q1) = 5Q1.
5Q1 C1  C2
Now eq (2) becomes 
Q '2 C2
C2
∴ Q '2  5Q 1 
C1  C2

From equation (1) Q1 = σ × 4πR2
40 (2R) 2
∴ Q '2  5    4 R 
2
or Q '2  5    4  R 2 
40 (R  2R) 3
2
5    4 R 2 
Q '2 3  5
New charge density on sphere '2'  
4(2R)2 4 4R 2 6
PRACTICE EXERCISE-7
31. A 60 μF capacitor has charge on each plate 3 × 10–6C. What is the energy stored?
32. An air capacitor of capacitance 6 μF is immersed in oil whose dielectric constant is 2.0. What is the capacitance of oil
capacitor?
33. If a 2.0 microfarad capacitor is charged to 200 V and its plates are connected by a wire, the heat produced in the wire is:
34. A capacitor has a capacitance of 7.28 μF. What amount of charge must be placed on each of its plates to make the potential
difference between its plates equal to 25.0 V?
35. A capacitor of capacitance C is charged by connecting it to a battery of emf e. The capacitor is now disconnected and
reconnected to the battery with the polarity reversed. What is the heat developed in the connecting wires?
IN-CHAPTER EXERCISE-H
1. If two conducting spheres are separately charged and then brought in contact
(1) The total energy of the two spheres is conserved
(2) The total charge on the two spheres is conserved
(3) Both the total energy and charge are conserved
(4) The final potential is always the mean of the original potentials of the two spheres
2. Two insulated charged spheres of radii 20 cm and 25 cmrespectively and having an equal charge Q are connected by a
copper wire, then they are separated
(1) Both the spheres will have the same charge Q
(2) Charge on the 20 cm sphere will be greater than that on the sphere
(3) Charge on the 25 cm sphere will be greater than that on the sphere
(4) Charge on each of the sphere will be 2Q
3. Two metal spheres of capacitance C1 and C2 carry some charges. They are put in contact and then separated. The final
charges Q1 and Q2 on them will satisfy
Q1 C1 Q1 C1 Q1 C1 Q1 C2
(1)  (2)  (3)  (4) 
Q2 C2 Q2 C2 Q2 C2 Q2 C1
4. The capacities of two conductors are C1 and C2 and their respective potentials are V1 and V2. If they are connected by a thin
wire, then the loss of energy will be given by
C1C2 (V1  V2 ) C1C2 (V1 -V2 ) C1C 2 (V1  V2 ) 2 (C1  C2 )(V1  V2 )
(1) 2(C1  C2 ) (2) 2(C1  C2 ) (3) (4)
2(C1  C2 ) C1C2

5. A condenser of capacitance has been charged to 100 volts. It is now connected to another uncharged condenser in parallel.
The common potential becomes 40 volts. The capacitance of another condenser is
(1) 15 F (2) 5 F (3) 10 F (4) 16.6 F
6. A condenser of capacity C1 is charged to a potential V0. The electrostatic energy stored in it is U0. It is connected to another
uncharged condenser of capacity C2 in parallel. The energy dissipated in the process is
C2 C1  C1  C2  C1C2
(1) U0 (2) U0 (3)   U0 (4) U0
C1  C2 C1  C2  C1  C2  2(C1  C2 )
7. A capacitor of 20 F is charged to 500 volts and connected in parallel with another capacitor of 10 F and charged to
200 volts. The common potential is
(1) 200 volt (2) 300 volt (3) 400 volt (4) 500 volt
8. A 20 F capacitor is charged to 5V and isolated. It is then connected in parallel with an uncharged 30 F capacitor. The decrease in
the energy of the system will be
(1) 25 J (2) 200 J (3) 125 J (4) 150 J
9. Two identical capacitors, have the same capacitance C. One of them is charged to potential V1 and the other to V2. The negative
ends of the capacitors are connected together. When the positive ends are also connected, the decrease in energy of the
combined system is
1 1
(1) C(V12  V22 ) (2) C(V12 +V22 )
4 4
1 1
(3) C(V1  V2 ) 2 (4) C(V1 + V2 ) 2
4 4
10. A capacitor of 10 μF charged up to 250 volts is connected in parallel with another capacitor of 5 μF charged up to
100 volts. The common potential is
(1) 500 V (2) 400 V (3) 300 V (4) 200 V
CAPACITOR/CONDENSER Section - 8
As we know, that capacitance of a conductor depends on the presence of other conductors nearby. This fact is used
to make a capacitor.
Concept of condenser :
+ + +
+
+ +
+ +
+ A +
Q
+ + C
+ VA
+
+
+ + +

Now, a second conductor is brought near A,
+ – +
+ – +
A + – B +
+ – +
+ – +
+ –
–
V 'A = VA + VB– + VB+

VB– is negative
VB+ is positive and |VB– | > |VB+| , because of lesser distance of negative charge
⇒ V'A < VA ⇒ Capacitance increases
If B is earthed VB+ = 0 hence
+ +
– +
+ –
A + – B +
+
– +
+ – +
– +
+ – +
+
V 'A = VA + VB– and capacitance of A increases.

Conductors in a condenser are arranged in such a way that capacity of conductors is increased without bringing any
change in their size. For condenser, Q = CV, where Q is harge given to any one of conductors and V is potential
difference between conductors. In fact, A capacitor is a pair of two conductors of any shape which are close to each
other and have equal and opposite charges. these conductors are called 'PLATES' of the capacitor. Capacitance of
a condenser depend on the following points.
(a) Distance between plates : C is inversely proportional to 'd' i.e. C ∝ 1/d as d increases, C decreases and vice versa
(b) Overlapping area of plates : C is directly proportional to 'A', i.e. C∝A
(c) Medium between the plates : Capacitance is proportional to the dielectric constant of the medium, i.e. C ∝ K
If capacitance of a condenser in air/vacuum is C, then it's capacitance in a dielectric medium (K) will be KC.
Condensers provide infinite resistance for a D.C. while they allow A.C. to pass through them (provide limited/finite
resistance)
Illustration - 50 If the distance between the plates of a capacitor is made half and the area of plates is doubled,
find the new capacitance.
SOLUTION :
1 C1 A1 d 2 A d /2 1
C and C  A ⇒ C  A ⇒    1 1  ⇒ C2 = 4C1.
d d C2 A 2 d1 2A1 d1 4

Illustration - 51 If 50μF be the capacity of a capacitor in air, and 110μF in of oil then find the dielectric constant
of oil.
C1 K1 50  10 6 1
SOLUTION : C∝K ⇒  ⇒ 6
 [for air K1  1] ⇒ K = 2.20
C2 K 2 110  10 K 2
2
ENERGY STORED IN A CONDENSER

Let C is the capacitance of condenser, Q is the charge on condenser and V is the potential it is raised to them
1 1 Q2 1
E  CV 2   QV
2 2 C 2
1
0 E2 . Like condu-
This energy is stored as the electric field between plates. Then energy density of the field is
2
ctors, there is redistribution of charge and consequently the loss of energy on connecting two condensers.
Key points :
(i) When positive plate of a condenser is connected to positive plate of a second condenser then Q1 , Q2 V1 , V2 are taken
to be positive.
(ii) When positive plate of a condenser is connected to negative plate of the second condenser, then values of
Q1, Q2, V1, V2 are taken with appropriate sign.
Illustration - 52 If the distance between the plates of a capacitor is d and potential difference is V find the energy
density.
SOLUTION :
2
1 1 V 1 V2
Energy density  0 E   0     0 2
2
2 2 d 2 d
Illustration - 53 In the given figure, when the switch is open, the space between the S
capacitor is filled with dielectrics of constant 3. Calculate the B C
V
ratio of energies capacitor before an after filling the dielectric A B
SOLUTION :
Initially qA = qB = CV
When dielectric is filled, then C1 = K1C = 3C ( ∴ K1 = 3)
When switch is opened, the p.d. across 'A' is V let p.d. across 'B' be V1
∴ qB = CV = C1V1 or CV = 3CV1 ⇒ V1 = V/3.
1 1
Total energy Ei  CV 2  CV 2  CV 2
2 2

1 3
Final energy of A  (3C) V 2  CV 2
2 2
1
Final energy of B  (3C) (V / 3)2  CV 2 / 6
2
3 CV 2 5 E CV 2 3
Total energy Ef  CV 2   CV 2 ∴ i  
2 6 3 Ef 5 2 5
CV
3
Illustration - 54 Calculate the heat generated when a condenser of 100 μF capacity and charged to 200 volts is
discharged through a 2 ohm resistance.
SOLUTION :
1
The energy stored in the condenser U  CV 2
2
Here C = 100 μF = 100 × 10–6 F, V = 200 volts
1 6
∴ U   100  10  (200)  2 Joule
2
2
When discharged through a resistor (2Ω), the whole energy is dissipated as heat.
∴ Heat produced, Q = U = 2 Joule.
COMBINATION OF CAPACITORS
There are two possible combinations :
(A) Series (B) Parallel
Series
(a) Charge on each condenser is same i.e.

Q = C1V1 = C2V2 = C3V3 = ........... C1 C2 C3
(b) Potential difference across each condenser is inversely

V1 V2 V3
proportional to it's capacity i.e. V ∝ 1/C
Q Q V
So, V1  , V2  ......
C1 C2
(c) Total potential difference (V) in the circuit is sum of the potential differences across each capacitor i.e.
V = V1 + V2 + V2 + V3 ...........
Q Q Q
or V    .......
C1 C2 C3
⇒ V 1 1 1 1
     ....
Q C C1 C2 C3

Note:
(i) If n equal capacitors are connected in series then their equivalent capacitance will be C/n.
(ii) If C1, C2, C3 ............. all capacitors are connected in series then total energy
1 1 1 1 
U    q2     ....
2  C1 C2 C3 
1
(iii) Please keep in mind that you are asked to find C and not
C
(iv) Equivalent capacitance is harmonic sum of the individual capacitance and this is lower than the lowest
capacitance in the circuit.
Series combination of two capacitors
(A) C  C1C2 C1 C2
C1  C2 + – + –
V1 V2
C2 C1
(B) V1  V & V2  V
C1  C2 C1  C2
V
 CC 
(C) Q   1 2  V  C1V1  C2 V2
 C1  C2 
Parallel Combination
(i) Potential difference across each capacitor is same and is equal to the potential difference applied across the
circuit.
(ii) Charge on each capacitor is proportional to it's capacitance i.e.
Q1 = C1V, Q2 = C2V, Q3 = C3V, ⇒ Q ∝ C
Q1 C1
Q2 C2
Q3 C3
(iii) Total charge in circuit Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 +......

(iv) If C is the total capacitance of the circuit then C = C1 + C2 + C3 +.............

For parallel combination of two capacitance-

C1
Q1
(A) C = C1 + C2
C2 Q2
C1
(B) Q1  C  C Q  C1V
1 2
V
C2
Q2  Q  C2 V
C1  C2
(C) The total energy stored in parallel combination of two capacitors is
1 1 1
U  U1  U 2  C1V 2  C2 V 2  V 2  C1  C2 
2 2 2
 If n capacitors of equal capacity 'C' are connected in parallel, their equivalent capacity will be nC
 If n capacitors, each having capacitance C, are first connected in series and then in parallel, the ratio of resultant
capacitances in the two cases will be
C
n  1
nC n2
 Energy stored in a condenser or conductor lies in its electric field.
1 q2 1 q2
 Total energy stored in series combination is U = U1 + U2 + U3 + ........    ...
2 C1 2 C 2
 The energy stored in parallel combination of condensers is
1 1
U = U1 + U2 + U3 + .....  C1V 2  C2 V 2  ...
2 2
1 2 2 2
 Energy stored per unit volume in the medium between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor is u  0 K E
2
where 'u' is called the energy density of the medium.
Illustration - 55 Three capacitors C1 = 1 μF, C2 = 2μF and C3 = 3μF should be connected in a manner, so that
the resultant capacitance becomes the least. Calculate the least capacitance.
SOLUTION :
In series combination the resultant capacitance is least.
1 1 1 1 11 6
Here      C  1
C 1 2 3 6 11

Illustration - 56 A capacitor of 20μF is charged to 500 volt, which is then connected in parallel to 10μF capacitor
of 200 volt. What will be their common potential?
SOLUTION :
Charge on first capacitor q1 = C1V1 = 20 × 10–6 × 500 = 0.01 C
Charge on second q2 = C2V2 = 10 × 10–6 × 200 = 0.002 C
∴ Charge of both capacitor = q1 + q2 = 0.01 + 0.002 = 0.012 C
C = C1 + C2 = 20 × 10–6 + 10 × 10–6 = 30 × 10–6 F
0.012
∴ Common potential (V) = q/C   400 volt.
30  106
Illustration - 57 In the given figure, evaluate the resultant capacity.

C
C C C C C
A B
up to n C
up to n
C
SOLUTION :
First n capacitor are connected in series so, their resulted capacity C1 = C/n
Second n capacitor are connected in parallel so, their resultant capacitance C2 = nC
1 1 1
Now C1 and C2 are in series, so resultant capacity   
C ' C1 C2
1 n 1 n2  1 n
     C'  C
C ' C nC nC n2  1
Illustration - 58 Seven capacitors each of capacitance 2μF are to be connected in different configurations. Find
the effective capacitance in each case.
(i) (ii)
(iii) (iv)

SOLUTION :
The resultant capacitances of the given combinations are as follows.
1 1 2 11 10
(i)    or C  F
C 5  2 2 10 11
1 1 3 13 8
(ii)    or C  F
C 4 2 2 8 13
1 1 4 13 6
(iii)    or C  F
C 3 2 2 6 13
1 1 5 11 4
(iv)    or C  F
C 2 2 2 4 11
CAPACITANCE FOR DIFFERENT GEOMETRICAL FIGURES (PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR)

+ –
0 KA
C + –
d + –
+ –
Where A is area a of each plate, –
+ K
d is distance between plates, + –
+ –
K is dielectric constant of the medium between the plates.
+ –
0 A + –
C , when medium is free space
d
When a number of mediums are placed between the plates d
t t t
0 A
C where t1  t2  t3  ....  d
 t1 t t 
  2  3 
K
 1 K 2 K 3 
A1 K1
In this combination equivalent capacitance A2
K2
 K1 K2 K3
C  0 (K1A1  K 2 A 2  K 3 A 3 ) A3 K3
d
0 A
If a metal sheet of thickness 't' is kept between the two plates, then C  .
d t
If a thin metal foil is placed between the plates, then the capacity remains uneffected.
Cmedium
K
Cair

Special Cases
Case-I A parallel plate capacitor is charged the battery is removed and distance between the plates is decreased.
1. Charge will remains the same 2. Capacitance will increase
3. Potential difference across plates will decrease 4. No change in electric field.
5. Energy stored will decrease. This decrease in energy is due to work done in bringing the plates closer .
Case -II A parallel plate capacitor is charged, the battery is removed and a dielectric is placed between the plates.
1. No change in charge 2. Increase in capacitance
3. Potential difference will decrease 4. Electric field between the plates will decreases.
5. Energy stored will be reduced.
Note : A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery. What will happen when
Case-III A parallel plate capacitor is charged using a battery, and then keeping the battery connected the distance
between the plates is reduced.
1. Same potential difference 2. Increased capacitance
3. Charge will increase 4. Electric field will increase
5. Energy stored will increase.
Case-IV A parallel plate capacitor is charged using a battery, and then keeping the battery connected, a dielectric
is placed between the plates.
1. Same potential difference 2. Capacitance will increase
3. Charge will increase 4. No change in electric field
5. Energy stored will increase, this increase is a result of work done to place the dielectric between the plates
q2
 Force of attraction between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor is 
2 0 AK
 1
 Induced charge on the faces of dielectric due to dielectric polarization is q '  q 1  
 K
Illustration - 59 A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has a capacitance of 8 pF. Calculate the
capacitance, if the distance between the plates is reduced by half, and the space between them is filled with a
substance of dielectric constant 6.
SOLUTION :
For parallel plate capacitor C  K 0 A , with K = 1 for air, C = 8pF in air

d
0 A
∴ 8  1012  ...(1)
d
if d → d/2 and K→6
0 A  A  0 A 12 
then C'  6  12. 0  12  8 pF  96 pF  d  8  10 
d  d  
 
2
 

Illustration - 60 A parallel plate capacitor has capacitance 'C' in air. When it is dipped completely in liquid of
constant 80, find its capacity.
SOLUTION :
0 KA
C
d
0 A 80 0 A
In air K =1 ∴ C  , in liquid K = 80, C'   80C
d d
Illustration - 61 A capacitor has two circular plates, whose radius are 8 cm and distance between them is 1mm.
Mica (dielectric constant = 6) is placed between the plates. Find the capacitance of this capacitor & the energy
stored, when it is given potential of 15 volt.
SOLUTION :
Radius of circular plate of capacitor
C  80 cm  8 102 m.
∴ A  r 2   (8 102 ) 2  0.0291 m2
 0 KA
d  1 mm  1103 m  C 
d
8.85  1012  6  0.0201

⇒ C  1.068  109 F
1 103
Potential of plate V = 150V.
1 1
Energy stored U  CV 2   1.068  109  (150) 2 = 1.2 × 10–5 Joule
2 2
Illustration - 62 A parallel plate capacitor has potential 20kV and capacitance 2 × 10–4 μF. If area of plate be
0.01 m2 and distance between the plates be 2 mm then find-
(i) total electric flux (ii) total potential gradient
(iii) dielectric constant of medium (iv) energy
SOLUTION :
Given V = 20000 volt
A = 0.01 m2, d = 0.002 m
C = 2 × 10–4 μF = 2 × 10–10 F
Q CV 2  1010  6  0.0201
(i) Total flux   
0 0 1 103

V 20000
(ii) Potential gradient   = 107 V/m
d 0.002
 0 KA
(iii) C 
d
C d 2  1010  0.002
 K   4.52
 0  A 8.85  1012  0.001
1 1
(iv) U  CV 2  2  1010  (20000) 2 = 4 × 10–2 Joule
2 2
Illustration - 63 A parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and plate separation d is charged to potential difference
V and then the battery is disconnected. A slab of dielectric constant K is then inserted between the plates of the
capacitor so as to fill the space between the plates.
If Q, E and W denote respectively, the magnitude of charge on each plate, the electric field
between the plates (after the slab is inserted), and work done on the system, in the process + P Q –
of inserting the slab, then calculate new charge, electric field and work x
done
SOLUTION :
0 A
After the insertion of the diaelectric slab, we have now value of capacity  C '  K  KC
d
(Note : 0 A When there is air betwen the plates of the capacitance.)

C ,
d
Now p.d. V '  Q  Q  V

C ' KC K
V' V
Now electric field, E '  
d Kd
Note- Electric field remains same at every point between the plates of the capacitance.
1 1
Further, the energy of the system before and after inserction of the dielectric has the values CV 2 and CV 2 .
2 2
Hence
E
Work done on the system, – +
– +
– +
1 1 V2 1 +
W C 'V 2  CV 2  KC 2  CV 2 –
2 2 K 2
 1 0 A 2  1   AV  1
2
1 1 
 CV 2   1  V   1  0   1
2 K  2 d K  2d  K 

Illustration - 64 Half of the space between parallel plate capacitor is filled with a medium of dielectric constant
K parallel to the plates. If initially the capacity was C, find the new capacity.
SOLUTION :
0 a
C
d
Now, the system is equivalent to a series combination of two capacitor
0 A 2 A  KA 20 AK
Where C1   0  2C and C2  0   2CK
(d / 2) d (d / 2) d
So new capacitance
C1C2 2C  2CK
C'    2CK / (1  K) d
C1  C2 2C(1  K)
PRACTICE EXERCISE-8
36. Three capacitors 4, 6 and 12 μF are connected in series to a 10 V source. What is the charge on the middle capacitor ?
37. Two plates (area = S) charged to + q1 and + q2 (q2 < q1) are brought closer to form a capacitor of capacitance C. What is
the potential difference across the plates?
38. A 100 μF capacitor and a 2 μF capacitor are connected in series across a 1200 V supply line. Find the charge on each
capacitor and the voltage across them.
39. In the above question the charged capacitors are disconnected from the line and from each other and reconnected with
terminals of like sign together. Find the final charge on each and the voltage across them.
40. A 100 μF capacitor is charged to 100 V. After the charging, battery is disconnected. The capacitor is then connected in
parallel to another capacitor. The final voltage is 20 V. Calculate the capacity of second capacitor.
IN-CHAPTER EXERCISE-I
1. The equivalent capacity of the combination shown in fig. is

C
C
C
3 C
(1) C (2) 2C (3) C (4)
2 2
2. The effective capacity between A and B in Fig. will be

2F
A 1F
2F
1F
B
2F
(1) 0.5 F (2) 1.5 F (3) 2 F (4) 2.5 F

3. The dielectric of dielectric constant K1 and K2 are filled between the plates of a capacitor as shown in Fig. The capacity
of the system is
K1
K2
20 AK1K 2  0 A  K1  K 2 
(1) (2)
 K1  K 2  d d  2 

 0 AK1K 2 0 A
(3)  K1  K 2  d (4)  K1  K 2 
d
4. Figure shows four plates each of area A and separated from one another by distance d. What is the capacitance between
P and Q?
P Q
0 A 0 A 0 A 0 A
(1) (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4
d d d d
5. The dielectric of dielectric constant K1 and K2 are filled between the plates of a capacitor, as shown in fig. The capacity
of the system is
K1 K2
20 AK1K 2  0 AK1K 2 0 A 0 A  K1  K 2 

(1)  K1  K 2  d (2)  K1  K 2  d (3)  K1  K 2  (4)
d d 2
6. The equivalent capacitance between the points A and B in the following circuit is
1.5 F
A B
3 F 3 F
1.5 F
(1) 1F (2) 2F (3) 4F (4) 8F

7. Three capacitors are connected as shown in Fig. The equivalent capacity between A and B is.
A C B
C C
1 3
(1) C (2) 3C (3) C (4) C
3 2
8. Equivalent capacitance of the given combination of five capacitances between A and C is:
4 F
B C
A D 4 F
4 F 10 F
4 F
(1) 8F (2) 10F (3) 4F (4) 120F

9. Seven capacitors each of capacitance 2F each are to be connected in a configuration to obtain an effective capacitance
of (10/11) F. Which of the combination(s) shown in fig. will achieve the desired result?
(1) (2)
(3) (4)
10. Three capacitors each of 1F are connected as shown in fig. The capacitance between the points A and B is
1 F
A 1 F
1 F
(1) 3F (2) 1F (3)  2 / 3 F (4) 1 / 3 F

IN-CHAPTER EXERCISE-J
1. Two conducting spheres of radii 5 cm and 10 cm are given a charge of 15 C each. After the two spheres are joined by a
conducting wire, the charge on the smaller sphere is
(1) 5 C (2) 10 C (3) 15 C (4) 20 C
2. In the adjoining figure are shown three capacitors C1, C2 and C3 joined to a battery. The correct condition will be (Symbols
have their usual meanings)
V 2 C2 Q
2
V1 C1 Q1
V3 Q3
C3
+ –
V
(1) Q1 = Q2 = Q3 and V1 = V2 = V3 = V (2) Q1 = Q2 + Q3 and V = V1 + V2 + V3

(3) Q1 = Q2 + Q3 and V = V1 + V2 (4) Q2 = Q3 and V2 = V3
3. Two condensers of capacity 0.3 F and 0.6 F respectively are connected in series. The combination is connected across
a potential of 6 volt. The ratio of energies stored by the condensers will be
1 1
(1) (2) 2 (3) (4) 4
2 4
4. The capacities and connection of five capacitors are shown in the adjoining figure. The potential difference between the
points A and B is 60 volts. Then the equivalent capacity between A and B and the charge on 5 F capacitance will be
respectively
5 F 9 F
A
12 F 10 F 8 F
(1) 44 F; 300 F (2) 16 F; 150 F (3) 15 F; 200 F (4) 4 F; 50 F
5. In the adjoining figure, four capacitors are shown with their respective capacities and the P.D. applied. The charge and the
P.D. across the 4 F capacitor will be
20  F
300 Volt
4 F 4 F
12 F
(1) 600 F; 150 volt (2) 300 F; 75 volt

(3) 800 F; 200 volt (4) 580 F; 145 volt

6. A 4 F condenser is connected in parallel to another condenser of 8 F . Both the condensers are then connected in series
with a 12 F condenser and charged to 20 volt. The charge on the plate of 4 F condenser is
(1) 3.3 C (2) 40 C (3) 80 C (4) 240 C
7. In the circuit shown here C1  6 F, C2  3 F and battery B = 20 volt. The switch S1 is first closed. It is then opened and
after wards S2 is closed. What is the charge finally on C2?
C2 3 F
C1 S2
6 F
S1
B = 20V
(1) 120 C (2) 80 C (3) 40 C (4) 20 C

8. Two capacitors A and B are connected in series with a battery as shown in the figure. When the switch S is closed and the
two capacitors get charged fully, then
2 F 3 F
A B
10V S
(1) The potential difference across the plates of A is 4V and across the plates of B is 6V
(2) The potential difference across the plates of A is 6V and across the plates of B is 4V
(3) The ratio of electrical energies stored in A and B is 2 : 3
(4) The ratio of charges on A and B is 3 : 2
9. A capacitor having capacitance C is charged to a voltage V. It is then removed and connected in parallel with another
identical capacitor which is uncharged. The new charge on each capacitor is now
(1) CV (2) CV / 2 (3) 2 CV (4) CV / 4
10. In the given circuit, if point b is connected to earth and a potential of 1200 V is given to a point a, the charge on 4 F
capacitor is
4 F
a 3 F b
2 F
(1) 800 C (2) 1600 C (3) 2400 C (4) 3000 C

SPHERICAL CONDENSER Section - 9
R2
(A) When outer sphere is earthed +Q
R1
R1R 2
C  4 0
(R 2  R1 )
–Q
(B) When inner sphere is earthed
This situation can be visualized as a parallel combinations of two capacitors. One between the two spheres and second
between outer sphere and infinity-
4 0 K1R1R 2 4 0 KR 22
 C  4 0 K 2 R 2 if K1 = K2 = K then C  (Q – q)
(R 2  R1 ) (R 2  R 1 ) R2
If 'Q' charge is given to outer sphere.

R1
It is divided partly between it's inner and outer surface.
q
Let the charge on inner sphere be q', potential of inner sphere = 0
R1
So charge on inner surface of outer sphere  q  Q
R2
R 2  R1
Charge on outer surface of outer sphere  (Q  q )  Q
R2
R1
Charge on outer surface of inner sphere  q '   Q
R2
Illustration - 65 A spherical capacitor has an inner sphere of radius 12 cm and an outer sphere of radius
13 cm. The outer sphere is earthed and the inner sphere is given a charge of 2.5μC. The space between the concentric spheres
is filled with a liquid of dielectric constant 32. Determine
(i) The capacitance of the capacitor and (ii) Potential of the inner sphere
SOLUTION :
(i) The capacitance of the spherical capacitor is
R1R 2 1 12  13  10 4
C  4 0 K   32  = 5.55 × 10–9 F
(R 2  R 1 ) 9  10 9
(13  12)  102
(ii) V = q/C = 2.5 × 10–6 / 5.55 × 10–9 = 4.5 × 102 V
CHARGING & DISCHARGING OF A CONDENSER

Charging of a condenser : Capacitor is connected to key 1 C 2
1
1. The capacitor takes some finite time in the charging process.
+ –
2. The quantity of charge at any instant of time t is given by q = q0[1–e–t/RC] E
Where q0 = Maximum final value of charge at t = 

R = Resistance of whole circuit

3. If t = RC = τ,
 1
then q  q0 [1  e (RC/ RC) ]  q0 1  
 e
or q  q0 (1  0.37)  0.63 q0  63% of q0 [∴ e = 2.73]

4. Time t = RC is known as time constant i.e. the time constant is that time during which the charge rises on the
condenser plates to 63% of its maximum value during charging process or falls to 37% of its maximum value
during discharge process.
5. The potential difference across the condenser plates any instant of time is given by V  V0  I  e  (t / RC)  volt .
6. The potential curve is also similar to that of charge. During charging process an electric current flows in the circuit
for a small interval of time which is known as the transient current. The value of this current at any instant t is
given by I = I0e–(t/RC) amp.
7. If t = RC = τ = Time constant
I0
I  I 0 e  (RC/RC)   0.37I0  37% of I0
e
i.e. time constant is that time during which current in the circuit falls to 37% of its maximum value.
Discharging of a Condenser
1. The capacitor takes some finite time in the discharging process.
2. The quantity of charge on the condenser at any instant of time is given by q = q0e–(t/RC) i.e. the charge falls
exponentially. q
3. If t = RC = τ = time constant, q0
q0
q  37% q0 q0
e q=
e
i.e. the time constant is that time during which the charge
t = RC =  t
on consdenser plates during discharge process falls to 37% of it's maximum value.
1
4. The dimensions of RC are those of time i.e. M0L0T1 and dimension of are those of frequency
RC
i.e. M0L0T–1
5. The potential difference across the condenser any instant of time is given by
V = V0 e–(t/RC) volt I
I0
6. The transient current at any instant of I = –I0e–(t/RC) amp. During charge
i.e. the current in the circuit decreases exponentially
but its direction is opposite to that of charging 0 f
current.
During discharge
I0
I

Illustration - 66 A capacitor is discharged through a 10 MΩ resistor and it is found that the time constant is 200s.
Then, find the value of the capacitance.
SOLUTION :
τ = RC = 200, thus
C = 200 / (10 × 106) = 20 μF
Illustration - 67 A 2500 μF capacitor is charged through a 1 KΩ resistor by a 12V d.c. source. What is the voltage
across the capacitor after 5 sec?
SOLUTION :
The time constant of the circuit is τ = RC = 103 × 2500 × 10-6 = 2.5 sec
For charging V = V0 (1 – e–t/RC)
Put t = 5sec, and τ = 2.5 sec, then V = 12(1 – e–2) = 12(1 – 0.135) = 12 × 0.865 = 10.38 volt.
Illustration - 68 State the condition for the adjoining diagram so that the condenser C will be fully charged to
potential V.
5 10 
S1 S2
+
C
V –
SOLUTION :
If S1 and S2 both are closed then charge and discharge processes will simultaneously take place. Hence to charge
the condenser fully the key S1 must be closed and S2 must remain open.
SOLVED EXAMPLES
Example - 1 Two small balls having equal charges Q, are suspended from a hook with two insulating threads
each of length L. This arrangement is carried in the space, where there is no gravitation. The tension in each string
will be
F T T F
A 180° B
L L
kQ2 kQ kQ2
(1) (2) 0 (3) (4)
4L2 4L2 L2
SOLUTION: (1)
kQ 2 kQ2 kQ2
F , F (electrostatic force acting between two charged balls)  F  T 
(2L) 2 4L2 4L2
Note :- In the above problem, the angle between the 'threads will be 1800. Because in the absence of gravity, the
tension in the threads will be only due to columb-repulsion. Therefore the angle between the threads will be 1800.
64 Solved Examples Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Example - 2 A thin conducting ring of radius r has an electric charge +Q. What would be the increase in the
tension of wire, if a point charge +q is placed at the centre of the ring?
Qq Qq
(1) T (2) 0 (3) T (4) None of these
4 2  0 r 2 8 2  0 r 2
SOLUTION: (3)
Q
Charge on a small element dl of the ring dQ  dl
2r Fe
dl T
Outward electric force on this element
d
+Q
1  Qdl   q  d +q O Charge
Fe    
40  2r   r 2  2 on ring
Let the tension be increased by T, to balance this force Fe. T
Arc
The increase in tension is given by  2T sin (d  / 2)  2T d  / 2  T dl / r ( dl  rd , Angle  )
radius
Qq
Hence T  dl  1  Qdl   q   T  2 2
r 40  2r   r 2  8  0 r
Example - 3 Two similar point charges q1 and q2 are placed at a distance 'r' apart in air. If a dielectric slab
of thickness 't' (< r) and dielectric constant 'K' is placed between the charges, and the thickness of slab covers half
the distance, between the charges, the coulomb repulsive force is reduced in the ratio 9 : 4, calculate the dielectric
constant of slab.
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4
SOLUTION: (4)
The repulsive force between the charges in air is
1 q1q2
F0 
40 r 2
Repulsive force between charges when dielectric slab is between charges.
1 q1q2
F
4 0 ( r  t  t k ) 2
Substituting t  r / 2
Then
1 q1q2 1 q1q2 F 4
F   
40  r r 
2
4  2 r
2
F0 (1  k )2
 r   k 
0
(1  k )
 2 2  4
F 4
  K4
F0 9
Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Solved Examples 65

Example - 4 The bob of a pendulum carries an electric charge of 39.2 × 10–10 coulomb in an electric field of
20 × 103 V/m and it is at rest. The angle made by the pendulum with the vertical will be, if the mass of pendulum
is 8 × 10–6 kg and g = 9.8 m/sec2
(1) 27º (2) 45º
(3) 60º (4) 37º
SOLUTION: (2)
T sin θ = qE
T cos θ = mg

E
qE 39.2  1010  20  103
tan    T cos 
mg 8  106  9.8 T
T sin  qE
 tan θ = 1  θ = 450
mg
Example - 5 A simple pendulum is oscillating between the plates of a capacitor S
as shown in the fig. If the bob and the capacitor both are charged, what will be the
effect on the time-period of the pendulum?
(1) Time period will increase
(2) Time period will decrease
(3) Time period remains same
(4) None of these
SOLUTION: (2)
Suppose the mass of the bob is m and the length of its thread is l. When the bob and the capacitor both are uncharged,
l
then time period is given by T  2 . Suppose a charge +q is given to the bob. On charging the capacitor, the
g
equilibrium position of the bob will change from O to O' and thread of the pendulum will now make an angle with
qE
the vertical, such that tan   where qE is the electric force and mg is the gravitational force. On displacing the
mg
bob from the position O', it will oscillate under the effective acceleration g',
S
while mg'  ( mg ) 2  ( qE) 2 + –
 –
+
+ –
2
 qE  + l –
 g '  g2    –
+
 m  –
+
+ –
Hence the new time period of the pendulum is –
+ qE –
+
l l O –
T'  2   2 2 O mg
g' [ g  (eq / m)2 ]1/4 mg
since g' > g hence T' < T.

i.e. time period of the pendulum will decrease

Example - 6 Two spherical conductors A and B of radii 1 mm and 2 mm are separated by a distance of 5 cm
and are uniformily charged. If the spheres are connected by a conducting wire, then in equilibrium positon, the ratio
of the magnitude of electric fields at the surface of the spheres A and B is:
(1) 1 : 4 (2) 4 : 1 (3) 1 : 2 (4) 2 : 1
SOLUTION: (4)
When joined by a wire, the two spheres attain common potgential V.
1 qA CA V 40 R A V V
 intensity, E A    
40 R 2A 40 R A2 40 R A2 RA
EA R B 2
Similarly, E B  V   
EB R A 1
RB
Example - 7 A square of side 'a' has equal charge 'q' at its corners. The magnitude and direction of force on
charge at B will be-
D C
q q
q q
A B
2 2
1 kq 1 kq
(1) (1  2 2), 45 (2) , 45
2 a2 2 a2
4kq 2
(3) ,30 (4) None of these
a2
SOLUTION: (1)
kq 2
Force on the charge placed at B, due to charges at A, C, & D are F1  ,
a2
kq 2 kq 2 D C
F2  & F3  respectively. [Note BD = 2a ] q
 
a2 2 q
2a
Resultant of F1 & F2 is F12 a
kq 2
F12  F1  F2  2F1F2 cos 90  2
2 2
q q B
a2 A F1
Now F12 || F3 ∴ Resultant force on the charge placed at B F3

F2
1 kq 2
F  F12  F3  (1  2 2) . This force is along F3. i.e.,   45
2 a2

Example - 8 An electron falls a distance of 4 cm in a uniform electric field of magnitude 5 × 104 N/C. The time
taken by electron in falling will be-
(1) 2.99 × 10–7 s (2) 2.99 × 10–8 s (3) 2.99 × 10–9 s (4) 2.99 × 10–10 s
SOLUTION: (3)
1 2 1 eE 2  Fe eE 
y at  t  a  m  m 
2 2 m  
2 ym
t  3  109 s
eE
[Putting y = 4 × 10–2 m, m = 9.1 × 10–31 kg, e = 1.6 × 10–19C, E = 5 × 104 N/C]
Example - 9 In the following fig. a unit positive charge moves along the path C B
ABC in an electric field E. The work done will be 45°
(1) 0
r
(2) Er
(3) Er/2
(4) Er/4 45°
A
E
SOLUTION: (2)
Because the work done by the charge does not depend upon the path
WAC = q(VAC) = qEr
( V = W/q) = Er ( q = 1C)
Example - 10 Charge 2q, –q & –q lies at the vertices of a equilateral. The value of E and V at the centroid of
the triangle will be-
(1) E ≠ 0 and V ≠ 0 (2) E = 0 and V = 0
(3) E ≠ 0 and V = 0 (4) E = 0 and V ≠ 0
SOLUTION: (3)
 2q q q  +2q
V = V 1 + V 2 + V3  k      0
 a a a
E  E1  (E 2 cos 60  E 2 cos 60)
= E1 + E2  E ≠ 0
O
E2 E2
60° 60°
–q E1 –q

Example - 11 Two identical particles of mass m carry a charge Q each. Initially one is at rest on a smooth
horizontal plane and the other is projected along the plane directly towards the first particle from a large distance,
with the speed v. Find the closest distance of approach.
1 4Q 2 1 4Q 2 1 4Q 2 1 4Q 2
(1) 4 0 mv 2
(2) 4 0 mv 2
(3) 8 0 mv 2
(4) 8 0 mv 2
SOLUTION: (1)
The masses are identical, each of mass m. Therefore we cannot treat any particle to heavier and hence at rest
throughout. An external force on the system is zero. According to principle of conservation of linear momentum.
Initial momentum
= Final momentum
⇒ mv  mv1  mv2
⇒ v = v1 + v 2
Where v1 and v2 are velocities of first and second particles. Distance of closest approach will occurs when
v
v1 = v2 
2
This means that to conserve momentum both particles travel with velocity v/2 along the same straight line. If d is the
distance of nearest approach, then initial energy of system = Final energy at nearest approach
2 2
1 2 1 v 1 v 1 (Q)(Q)
⇒ mv  m    m   
2 2  2  2  2  40 d
1 2 1 Q2
⇒ mv 
4 4 0 d
4Q 2
∴ Distance of nearest approach 
40 mv 2
Example - 12 A sphere of radius 5 cm has electric field 5 × 106 V/m on its surface. What will be the force acting
on a charge of 5 × 10–8C placed at distance of 20 cm from the centre of sphere?
(1) 1.5 × 10–2 N (2) 40 N (3) 4 N (4) 0 N
SOLUTION: (1)
kq kq qE s R 2
E0  2
, E s  2 ⇒ F  qE 0 
r R r2
[q = 5 × 10–8 C, Es = 5 × 106 v/m, R = 0.05 m
r = 0.20 m] = 1.5 × 10–2N

Example - 13 A thin stationary ring of radius 1 m has a positive charge of 1 × 10–5 coulomb uniformly distributed
over it. A particle of mass 0.9 gm and having a negative charge of 1 × 10–6 coulomb is placed on the axis at a distance
of 1 cm from the centre of the ring. The motion of the negatively-charged particle is approximately simple harmonic.
Calculate the time-period of oscillation.
2  4 8
(1) (2) (3) (4)
5 5 10 5 5
SOLUTION : (2)
The electric field on the axis of a charged ring of radius R meter at a distance x from its centre is given by
1 qx
E

40 R 2  x 2 3/ 2 
where q is the charge on the ring. If the distance x is very small compared to radius R, then x 2 can be neglected
in R  x .
2 2
In this position, we have
1 qx
E .
40 R 3
If the particle of negative charge q' is situated at a distance x, then the electric force on the particle is
1 qq '
F  q ' E   x.
40 R 3
Since the ring has positive charge and the particle has negative charge, hence the force F will be of attraction (towards
the ring). Under the action of this force the particle will perform periodic motion in line on with side of the centre
of the ring. The acceleration of the particle is given by
F 1 qq '
a  x  2 x.
m 40 mR 3
5 5
1 qq ' 9 (1  10 )(1  10 )
where    (9  10 )  10 10 ∴a∝x
4 0 mR 3 (0.9  103 )(1)3
Since the acceleration a is directly proportional to the displacement x and is directed towards the centre of the ring,
hence the motion of the particle is simple harmonic. The time period of the particle is
2 2 
T= = T=  sec.
 10 10 5 10
Example - 14 A circular ring of radius R with uniform positive charge density 'λ' per unit length is located in the
y-z plane with its centre at the origin O. A particle of mass m and positive charge q is projected from the point
P ( 3 R, 0, 0) on the positive x-axis directly towards O, with an initial speed v. Find the smallest (non-zero) value
of speed v such that the particle does not return P.
2 q 4 q q q
(1) 0 m (2) 0 m (3) 20 m (4) 40 m

SOLUTION: (3)
The electric field at the centre of ring is zero. Therefore the force on charged particle at the centre of ring is zero. Hence if
the particle reaches at the centre O of the ring, then it will not return to P. For minimum value of velocity v, the speed of particle
at the centre must be zero. By the principle of conservation of energy.
a P( 3R,0,0)
O
v X
Z
(K.E. + P.E.) at P = (K.E. + P.E.) at O
1 2 1 (2R)q 1 (2R)q
⇒ mv   0
2 40 ( 3R)  R
2 2
40 R
1 2 1  (2R)q (2R)q  q
⇒ mv   ⇒ v
2 40  R 2R  2 0 m
Example - 15 A parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and plate separation d is charged to potential difference
V and then the battery is disconnected. A slab of dielectric constant K is then inserted between the plates of the
capacitor so as to fill the space between the plates. If Q, E and W denote respectively, the magnitude of charge
on each plate, the electric field between the plates (after the slab is inseried), and work done on the system, in the
process of inserting the slab, then which one of the following is wrong?
 0 AV  0 KAV + P Q –
(1) Q (2) Q
d d
x
V  AV 2  1
(3) E (4) W 0 1  
Kd 2d  K 
SOLUTION: (2)
0 A
After the insertion of the diaelectric slab, we have now value of capacity  C '  K  KC
d
(Note : 0 A When there is air betwen the plates of the capacitance.) Now p.d. V '  Q  Q  V
C ,
d C ' KC K
V' V
Now electric field, E '   . Further, the energy of the system before and after insertion of the dielectric has
d Kd
1 1 E
the values CV 2 and CV 2 . – +
2 2 – +
– +
Hence – +
Work done on the system,
 1 0 A 2  1   AV
2
1 1 V2 1 1 1 1 
W C 'V 2  CV 2  KC 2  CV 2  CV 2   1  V   1  0   1
2 2 K 2 2 K  2 d K  2d  K 

Example - 16 An infinite number of identical capacitors each of capacitance

1mF are connected as in adjoining figure. Then the equivalent capacitance
between A and B is-
(1) 1 μF 8 cap.
(2) 2 μF 16 cap.
(3) 1/2 μF
(4) ∞
A  B
SOLUTION: (2)
1 1 1 a
This combination forms a G.P. ∴ Sum  S  1     ..... Sum of infinite G.P. is S 
2 4 8 1 r
1 1
Here a = first term = 1 and r = common ratio = ⇒ S  2  C R  2F
2 1 1 / 2
Example - 17 In the following circuit, the resultant capacitance between A and B is 1  F. Then value of C is
& C 1F
11 A
32
(1) F (2) F 8F 6F
11 32 4 F
23 32
(3) F (4) F 2F 2F
32 23 B 12 F
SOLUTION: (4)
12  F and 6  F are in series and again are in parallel with 4  F.
12  6
Therefore resultant of these three will be   4  8 F,
12  6
8 1 8
This equivalent system is series with 1  F, its equivalent capacitance   F .....(1)
88 9
4  8 32 8
Equivalent of 8  F, 2  F and 2F    F .....(2)
4  8 12 3
32
C
8 8 32
(1) and (2) are in parallel and are in series with C.    and Ceq  1  9
8 3 9 32
C
9
32 32 32 32 32 9 32
⇒ +C= C ⇒ C–C= ⇒ C= × = F
9 9 9 9 9 23 23

Example - 18 In the circuit shown in the figure, the potential difference 3 F

across the 4.5  F capacitor is- 4.5 F
8
(1) volt (2) 4 volt
3 6 F
(3) 6 volt (4) 8 volt 12V
SOLUTION: (4)
1 10 1 10  5 1
Total capacity of the combination     ⇒ C = 3μF
C 45 9 45 3
The charge through the circuit = 3 × 12 = 36 μC
q 36
∴ Potential difference across 4.5mF capacitor    8V
C 4.5
Example - 19 Five identical plates each of area A are joined as shown in the figure. The distance between
the plates is d. The plates are connected to a p.d. of V volt. The charge on plates 1 and 4 will be-
 0 AV 2 0 AV  0 AV 2 0 AV
(1) , (2) , 1 2 3 5
d d d d 4
 0 AV 2 0 AV  0 AV 2 0 AV
(3) , (4) ,
d d d d
+ –
SOLUTION: (3)
0 A
The capacity C12 of the parallel plate capacitor formed by 1 and 2 is given by C12 
d
 0 AV
Charge on plate 1, q1  C12 V 
d
Since the plate 1 is connected to +ve terminal the source of emf, therefore charge q1 is +ve. The capacity C23 of the
0 A
parallel plate capacitor formed by plates 2 & 3 is given by C 23 
d
0 A
Similarly, the capacity C34 of the parallel plate capacitor formed by plates 3 and 4 is given by C34 
d
It may be noted here that the plates 1 & 3 constitute no capacitor because these plates are connected together.
Since capacitors of capacities C23 & C34 are connected in parallel, therefore the net capacitance between the plates
2 0 A
1 and 4 is given by C14 
d
2 0 A
Charge on plate 4, q1  V
d
The charge on plate 4 is negative because the plate is connected to the negative terminal of the source of emf.

74
MIND MAP
Superposition: The Electric charges Study of electric charges at Electric Field : Electric field Electric Flux : Electric
Capacitance
vector sum of forces that rest. intensity at a point distant r flux over an area in an
would gives us the total force. from a point charge q in air is electric field represents
G 1 q the total number of
E rˆ electric field lines crossing
Conductors & Insulators : The 4SH0 r 2
this area.
Mind Map
materials which possess a large
number of free charge carriers Conservation : Total Coulomb's Law :
whereas insulators or dielectrics charge of an isolated G Electric Dipole : Every dipole Gauss's Theorem : Total
1 qq 12 G
possess a negligibly small system remains F21 r is associated with a dipole normal electric flux over a
4SH0 r 3 12 G
number of free charge carriers unchanged with time moment p whose magnitude is closed surface S in vacuum
i.e., charges are like charges equal to the product of the is 1/H0 time the charge (Q)
G qq G magnitude of either charge contained inside the
12 G
F21 r21 (q) and the distance 2a surface
Dielectrics 4SH0 r 3 between charges, i.e. G G Q
i.e., charges are unlike charges G G IE v³ S E ds
p q u (2)a H0
Capacitor : Conductor
which store electric
Polar Non Polar charge
Capacitance Parallel plate capacitor Electric Potential : The total amount Equipotential Surface : An equipotential
(conducting slab) H0 A of work done in bringing the various surface is that at every point of which
C charges to their respective positions electric potential is the same. Equipotential
H0 A d
C' from infinitely large mutual surfaces are always perpendicular to the
dt separations.
Energy stored in a field lines.
(dielectric slab) capacitor
H0 A 1Q12
C'' U QV
§ 1 2C2
dt ¨1 ¸·
© K ¹ Potential Difference : Electrostatic potential
difference between two points B and A in an
electrostatic field is the amount of work done
in carrying unit positive test charge from.
A to B (against the electrostatic force of the
field) along any path between the two points,
Capacitors in parallel Capacitors in series i.e.,
in B
1 in 1 WAB G G
CP ¦ Ci ¦ VB VA ³ E dl
i 1 CS i 1 C1 q0 A
Vidyamandir Classes
Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Vidyamandir Classes Electrostatics & Capacitance
FUNDAMENTAL
1. The ratio of the forces between two small spheres with 6. Two similar spheres having +q and –q charge are kept at
constant charge (a) in air (b) in a medium of dielectric a certain distance and F force acts between the two.
constant K is If in the middle of two spheres, another similar sphere
(1) 1:K (2) K:1 having +q charge is kept, then it experience a force in
(3) 1: K 2 (4) K 2 :1 magnitude and direction as
(1) Zero having no direction
2. Four charges are arranged at the corners of a square
(2) 8F towards +q charge
ABCD, as shown in the adjoining figure. The force on
(3) 8F towards –q charge
the charge kept at the centre O is
(4) 4F towards +q charge
A B
+q +2q 7. A charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining two
equal charges Q. The system of the three charges will be
O
in equilibrium, if q is equal to
–2q +q
D C Q Q
(1)  (2) 
2 4
(1) Zero
(2) Along the diagonal AC Q Q
(3)  (4) 
(3) Along the diagonal BD 4 2
(4) Perpendicular to side AB 8. Figure shows the electric lines of force emerging from a
3. The minimum charge on an object is charged body. If the electric field at A and B are and
(1) 1 coulomb (2) 1 stat coulomb respectively and if the displacement between A and B is
(3) 1.6 1019 coulomb then
(4) 3.2  1019 coulomb

(1) EA  EB
4. Three equal charges q1 , q2 , q3 are placed on the three (2) EA < EB A r B
consecutive corners of a square. If the force between EB
(3) EA
q1 and q2 is F12 and that between q1 and q2 is F13 the r
F12
ratio of magnitudes F is EB
13 (4) EA
r2
(1) 1/2 (2) 2 9. ABC is an equilateral triangle. Charges +q are placed at
1 each corner. The electric intensity at O will be
(3) (4) 2
2 1 q +q
(1) 40 r 2 A
5. Two charges q1 and q2 are placed in vacuum at a distance
d and the force acting between them is F. If a medium 1 q
(2) 40 r
of dielectric constant 4 is introduced between them, the r
force now will be (3) Zero
1 3q r r
(1) 4F (2) 2F O
(4) 40 r 2
F F +q +q
(3) (4) B C
2 4
Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Fundamental 75

Electrostatics & Capacitance Vidyamandir Classes
10. Two plates are 2 cm apart, a potential difference of (1) E A >E B >E C
10 volt is applied between them, the electric field between (2) EA = EB = EC
the plates is
(3) EA = EC  EB
(1) 20 N/C (2) 500 N/C
(3) 5 N/C (4) 250 N/C (4) EA = EC  EB
11. Deutron and   particle are put 1Å apart in air. 17. A cube of side b has a charge q at each of its vertices.
Magnitude of intensity of electric field due to deutron at The electric field due to this charge distribution at
  particle is the centre of this cube will be
(1) Zero (1) q / b2 (2) q / 2b 2
(2) 2.88 1011 newton/coulomb (3) (4) Zero
32q / b 2
(3) 1.44  10 newton/coulomb
11
18. The ratio of momenta of an electron and an α-particle
(4) 5.76  10 newton/coulomb
11
which are accelerated from rest by a potential
12. Angle between equipotential surface and lines of force difference of 100 volt is
is 2me
(1) Zero (2) 180° (1) 1 (2) m
(3) 90° (4) 45°
me me
13. Two charge +q and –q are situated at a certain distance. (3) m (4) 2m
At the point exactly midway between them
(1) Electric field and potential both are zero 19. Electric charges of 10C, 5C, 3C and  8C are
(2) Electric field is zero but potential is not zero
placed at the corners of a square of side 2 m. The
(3) Electric field is not zero but potential is zero
potential at the centre of the square is
(4) Neither electric field nor potential is zero
(1) 1.8 V (2) 1.8 × 1016 V
14. Equal charges q are placed at the vertices A and B of an (3) 1.8 × 105 V (4) 1.8 × 104 V
equilateral triangle of side a. The magnitude of electric
20. An electron is moving towards x-axis. An electric field is
field at the point C is
along y-direction then path of electron is
q 2q
(1) (2) (1) Circular (2) Elliptical
40 a 2 40 a 2
(3) Parabola (4) None of these
3q q
(3) (4) 21. The radius of a soap bubble whose potential is 16V is
40 a 2 20 a 2
doubled. The new potential of the bubble will be
15. An alpha particle is accelerated through a potential (1) 2V (2) 4V
difference of 106 volt. Its kinetic energy will be (3) 8V (4) 16V
(1) 1 MeV (2) 2 MeV
(3) 4 MeV (4) 8 MeV 22. Potential at a point x-distance from the centre inside the
16. The figure shows some of the electric field lines conducting sphere of radius R and charged with charge
corresponding to an electric field. The figure suggests Q is
Q Q
(1) (2)
R x
A B C Q
(3) (4) Qx
x2
76 Fundamental Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

23. Electric field intensity at a point in between two parallel 29. An electron experiences a force equal to its weight when
sheets with like charges of same surface charge (σ) densities placed in an electric field. The intensity of the field will
is be
  (1) 1.7  1011 N/C (2) 5.0  1011 N/C
(1) 20 (2) 0 (3) 5.5  1011 N/C (4) 56 N/C
2 30. If an electron moves from rest from a point at which

(3) Zero (4) 0 potential is 50 volt to another point at which potential
is 70 volt, then its kinetic energy in the final state will be
24. A hollow sphere of charge does not produce an electric
field at any (1) 3.2  1010 J (2) 3.2 × 10–18 J
(1) Point beyond 2 metre (3) 1J (4) 1J
(2) Point beyond 10 metre 31. A given charge is situated at a certain distance from an
(3) Interior point electric dipole in the end-on position experiences a force
(4) Outer point F. If the distance of the charge is doubled, the force acting
25. A drop of 10–6 kg water carries charge10–6 C. What electric on the charge will be
field should be applied to balance its weight? (assume (1) 2F (2) F / 2
g = 10 m/s2) (3) F / 4 (4) F / 8
(1) 10 V/m upward 32. An electric dipole of moment p is placed in the position
(2) 10 V/m downward of stable equilibrium in uniform electric field of intensity
(3) 0.1 V/m downward E. It is rotated through an angle  from the initial
(4) 0.1 V/m upward position. The potential energy of electric dipole in the
26. A charged particle of mass 0.003 gm is held stationary in final position is
space by placing it in a downward direction of electric (1) pE cos  (2) pE sin 
field of 6 10 N/C. Then the magnitude of the charge is
4
(3) pE 1  cos   (4)  pE cos 
(1) 5 104 C (2) 5 1010 C 
33. An electric dipole of moment p is placed normal to the
(3) 18  1010 C (4) 5 109 C 
lines of force of electric intensity E , then the work done
27. When one electron is taken towards the other electron, in deflecting it through an angle of 90° is
then the electric potential energy of the system (1) pE (2) +2pE
(3) – 2pE (4) Zero
(1) Decreases
34. Electric charges q, q, – 2q are placed at the corners of an
(2) Increases
(3) Remains unchanged equilateral triangle ABC of side l. The magnitude
(4) Becomes zero of electric dipole moment of the system is
(1) ql (2) 2ql
28. The wrong statement about electric lines of force is
(3) 3 ql (4) 4 ql
(1) These originate from positive charge and end on
negative charge 35. If Ea be the electric field strength of a short dipole at a
(2) They do not intersect each other at a point point on its axial line and Ee that on the equatorial
(3) They have the same form for a point charge and a line at the same distance, then
sphere (1) E e  2E a (2) E a  2E e
(4) They have physical existence (3) Ea  Ee (4) None of the above

36. An electric dipole is placed in an electric field generated 41. The energy of a charged capacitor is given by the
by a point charge expression (q = charge on the capacitor and C = its
(1) The net electric force on the dipole must be zero capacity)
(2) The net electric force on the dipole may be zero q2 q2
(1) (2)
(3) The torque on the dipole due to the field must be 2C C
zero
q
(4) The torque on the dipole due to the field may be (3) 2qC (4)
2C2
zero
42. The capacity of a condenser is 4  106 farad and its
37. A point charge q is placed at the centre of a cube of side
potential is 100 volt. The energy released on discharging
L. The electric flux emerging from the cube is
it fully will be
q (1) 0.02 Joule
(1) 0 (2) Zero
(2) 0.04 Joule
6qL2 q (3) 0.025 Joule
(3) (4)
0 6L2 0 (4) 0.05 Joule
38. According to Gauss’ Theorem, electric field of an 43. A capacitor of capacity C has charge Q and stored energy
infinitely long straight wire is proportional to is W. If the charge is increased to 2Q, the stored energy
1 will be
(1) r (2)
r2 (1) 2W (2) W/2
1 1
(3) (4) (3) 4W (4) W/4
r3 r
44. N identical spherical drops charged to the same potential
39. A charge q is placed at the centre of a cube. Then the flux
V are combined to form a big drop. The potential of the
passing through one face of cube will be
new drop will be
q q (1) V (2) V/N
(1) 0 (2) (3) V × N (4) V × N2/3
q 2q0
(3) 40 (4) 60 45. There is an air filled 1pF parallel plate capacitor. When
the plate separation is doubled and the space is filled
40. Consider the charge configuration and spherical Gaussian
with wax, the capacitance increases to2pF. The dielectric
surface as shown in the figure. When calculating the flux
constant of wax is
of the electric field over the spherical surface the electric
(1) 2 (2) 4
field will be due to
(3) 6 (4) 8
+q1 q2
46. Force of attraction between the plates of a parallel plate
–q1
capacitor is
q2 q2
(1) q2 (1) (2)
20 AK  0 AK
(2) Only the positive charges
q q
(3) All the charges (3) (4)
2 0 A 2 0 A 2 K
(4) + q1 and – q1
78 Fundamental Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

47. A capacitor with air as the dielectric is charged to a 49. While a capacitor remains connected to a battery and
potential of 10 volts. If the space between the plates is dielectric slab is inserted between the plates, then
now filled with a dielectric of dielectric constant 10, the (1) Potential difference between the plates is changed
potential difference between the plates will be (2) Charge flows from the battery to the capacitor
(1) 1000 (2) 100 (3) Electric field between the plates increases
(3) 10 (4) Zero (4) Energy store in the capacitor decreases
48. The electric field between the two spheres of a charged 50. The condensers of capacity C1 and C2 are connected in
spherical condenser parallel, then the equivalent capacitance is
(1) Is zero C1C2
(2) Is constant (1) C1  C2 (2) C1  C2
(3) Increases with distance from the centre
C1 C2
(4) Decreases with distance from the centre (3) (4)
C2 C1

ENABLE
1. A charge q 1 exerts some force on a second charge q 2 . If 5. An infinite number of charges, each of charge 1 μC, are
third charge q 3 is brought near, the net force on third placed on the x-axis with co-ordinates x = 1, 2, 4, 8, ....∞.
charge due to other charges will : If a charge of 1 C is kept at the origin, then what is the
(1) Decreases net force acting on 1 C charge
(2) Increases (1) 9000 N (2) 12000 N
(3) Remains unchanged (3) 24000 N (4) 36000 N
(4) Increases if is of the same sign as and decreases
6. Two small spheres each carrying a charge q are placed r
if is of opposite sign
metre apart. If one of the spheres is taken around the
2. A total charge Q is broken in two parts Q1 and Q 2 and other one in a circular path of radius r, the work done
they are placed at a distance R from each other. The will be equal to
maximum force of repulsion between them will occur, (1) Force between them
when (2) Force between them
Q Q (3) Force between them (4) Zero
(1) Q2  ,Q1  Q
R R 7. A uniform electric field having a magnitude E0 and
Q 2Q
(2) Q 2  , Q1 Q direction along the positive X-axis exists. If the potential
4 3
V is zero at x = 0, then its value at X   x will be
Q 3Q
(3) Q 2  , Q1  (1) V( x )   xE 0 (2) V( x )   xE 0
4 R
Q Q (3) Vx   x 2 E 0 (4) Vx   x 2 E 0
(4) Q1  , Q 2 
2 2
8. Two parallel plates have equal and opposite charge.
3. A charge Q is divided into two parts of q and Q  q. If the
When the space between them is evacuated, the electric
coulomb repulsion between them when they are separated
field between the plates is 2  103 V/m. When the space
Q
is to be maximum, the ratio of q should be is filled with dielectric, the electric field becomes
1103 V/m. The dielectric constant of the dielectric
(1) 2 (2) 1/2
material
(3) 4 (4) 1/4
(1) 1/2 (2) 1
4. A solid conducting sphere of radius a has a net positive (3) 2 (4) 3
charge 2Q. A conducting spherical shell of inner radius 9. The insulation property of air breaks down at
b and outer radius c is concentric with the solid sphere E  3 106 volt/metre. The maximum charge that can be
and has a net charge – Q. The surface charge density on given to a sphere of diameter 5m is approximately (in
the inner and outer surfaces of the spherical shell will be coulombs)
(1) 2  102 (2) 2  103
2Q Q
(1)  , (3) 2  104 (4) 2  105
4b 2 4r 2
a
Q Q b 10. Two charges  4e and  e are at a distance x apart.
(2)  , At what distance, a charge q must be placed from charge
4b 4r 2
2 c
+e so that it is in equilibrium
Q
(3) 0, (1) x/2 (2) 2x/3
4r 2
(3) x/3 (4) x/6
(4) None of the above
80 Enable Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

11. There is an electric field E in X-direction. If the work done 17. A cube of a metal is given a positive charge Q. For the
on moving a charge 0.2 C through a distance of 5m along above system, which of the following statements is true
a line making an angle 30° with the X-axis is 4.0, what is (1) Electric potential at the surface of the cube is zero
the value of E? (2) Electric potential within the cube is zero
(1) 3 N/C (2) 4 N/C (3) Electric field is normal to the surface of the cube
(4) Electric field varies within the cube
(3) 5 N/C (4) None of these
18. A spherical conductor of radius 2m is charged to a
12. A particle A has charge +q and a particle B has charge potential of 120 V. It is now placed inside another hollow
+4q with each of them having the same mass m. When spherical conductor of radius 6 m. Calculate the potential
allowed to fall from rest through the same electric to which the bigger sphere would be raised
vA (1) 20 V (2) 60 V
potential difference, the ratio of their speed vB will (3) 80 V (4) 40 V
become
19. Three charges Q(+q) and (+q) are placed at the vertices
(1) 2 : 1 (2) 1:2
of an equilateral triangle of side l as shown in the figure.
(3) 1:4 (4) 4:1
If the net electrostatic energy of the system is zero, then
13. The electric potential V is given as a function of distance Q is equal to
x (metre) by V  (5 x 2  10 x  9) volt. Value of electric Q
field at x = 1 is
(1) 20 V/m (2) 6 V/m l l
(3) (4) 23 V/m
11 V/m
+q l +q
14. Point charges 4q, q and  4q are kept on the x-axis
at points x  0, x  a and x  2a respectively, then  q
(1) Only q is in stable equilibrium
(1)   (2) (–q)
 2
(2) None of the charges are in equilibrium (3) (+q) (4) Zero
(3) All the charges are in unstable equilibrium
20. A simple pendulum of period T has a metal bob which is
(4) All the charges are in stable equilibrium
negatively charged. If it is allowed to oscillate above a
15. Three identical point charges, as shown are placed at the positively charged metal plate, its period will
vertices of an isosceles right angled triangle. Which of (1) Remains equal to T
the numbered vectors coincides in direction with the (2) Less than T
electric field at the mid-point M of the hypotenuse (3) Greater than T
(1) 1 3 (4) Infinite
2
(2) 2
4 21. A charged particle of mass m and charge q is released
(3) 3 M
1 from rest in a uniform electric field E. Neglecting the effect
(4) 4
of gravity, the kinetic energy of the charged particle after
16. The displacement of a charge Q in the electric field ‘t’ second is
E  e1iˆ  e2 ˆj  e3 kˆ is rˆ  aiˆ  ajˆ . The work done is Eq 2 m 2Et 2
(1) (2)
2t 2 mq
 ae1 
2
(1) Q  (ae1  be2 ) (2) Q  (be2 ) 2
E 2 q 2t 2 Eqm
(3) (4)
2m t
Q(e1  e2 ) a  b (4) Q (e +e )(a  b)
2 2
(3) 2 2
1 2
Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Enable 81

22. Figure shows three points A, B and C in a region of uniform 25. Three infinitely long charge sheets are placed as shown
electric field. The line AB is perpendicular and BC is parallel in figure. The electric field at point P is
to the field lines. Then which of the following holds good. Z
Where VA, VB and VC represent the electric potential at 

Z = 3a
points A, B and C respectively P
–2
Z=a
A
x
B –
Z = –a
2 2
(1) k̂ (2)  k̂
(1) VA =VB =VC (2) VA =VB >VC 0 0
(3) VA =VB <VC (4) VA >VB =VC
4 4
(3) k̂ (4)  k̂
23. As per this diagram a point charge +q is placed at the 0 0
origin O. Work done in taking another point charge –Q 26. An electric dipole of moment p is placed at the origin
from the point A [co-ordinates (0, a)] to another point B along the x-axis. The electric field at a point P, whose
[co-ordinates (a, 0)] along the straight path AB is position vector makes an angle with the x-axis, will make
1
Y an angle θ with the x-axis, where   tan 
2
A
(1)  (2) 
(3)  (4)   2
27. A cylinder of radius R and length L is placed in a uniform
O B X electric field E parallel to the cylinder axis. The total flux
from the surface of the cylinder is given by
 qQ 1 
(1) Zero (2)  2 
2a (1) 2R 2 E (2) R 2 /E
 40 a 
(3)  
R 2  R / E (4) Zero
 qQ 1  a  qQ 1 
(3)  2  (4)  2 
2a 28. For a given surface the Gauss’s law is stated as
 40 a  2  40 a   
24. Two thin wire rings each having a radius R are placed at  E  ds  0 . From this we can conclude that
a distance d apart with their axes coinciding. The charges (1) is necessarily zero on the surface
on the two rings are +q and –q. The potential difference (2) is perpendicular to the surface at every point
between the centres of the two rings is (3) The total flux through the surface is zero
(1) Zero (4) The flux is only going out of the surface
Q 1 1  29. A charge q is placed at the centre of the open end of

(2)   
40 R R d 
2 2 cylindrical vessel. The flux of the electric field through
the surface of the vessel is
(3) QR / 40 d 2
q
1  (1) Zero (2) 0
Q 1
(4)   
20 R R2  d 2  q 2q
(3) 20 (4) 0

30. Electric charge is uniformly distributed along a long 34. A parallel plate condenser is immersed in an oil of
straight wire of radius 1 mm. The charge per cm length dielectric constant 2. The field between the plates is
of the wire is Q coulomb. Another cylindrical surface of (1) Increased proportional to 2
radius 50 cm and length 1 m symmetrically encloses the
1
wire as shown in the figure. The total electric flux passing (2) Decreased proportional to
2
through the cylindrical surface is
Q (3) Increased proportional to 2
(1) +
0 + 1
+
(4) Decreased proportional to
100 Q 2
(2) 0 1m 35. Two metallic charged spheres whose radii are 20 cm and
10 Q 10 cm respectively, have each 150 micro coulomb positive
(3) (0 )
+ charge. The common potential after they are connected
100 Q + 50 cm
+ by a conducting wire is
(4) ( 0 ) (1) 9 × 106 volt
31. An electric dipole is put in north-south direction in a (2) 4.5  10 6 volt
sphere filled with water. Which statement is correct? (3) 1.8  10 7 volt
(1) Electric flux is coming towards sphere
(4) 13.5  10 6 volt
(2) Electric flux is coming out of sphere
36. An air capacitor of capacity C  10 F is connected to a
(3) Electric flux entering into sphere and leaving the
constant voltage battery of 12 V. Now the space between
sphere are same
the plates is filled with a liquid of dielectric constant 5.
(4) Water does not permit electric flux to enter into
The charge that flows now from battery to the capacitor
sphere
is
32. Two infinite plane parallel sheets separated by a distance (1) 20 C (2) 699 C
d have equal and opposite uniform charge densities σ. (3) 480 C (4) 24 C
Electric field at a point between the sheets is 37. A parallel plate capacitor has plate area A and separation
(1) Zero d. It is charged to a potential difference V0. The charging
battery is disconnected and the plates are pulled apart to

(2) three times the initial separation. The work required to
0
separate the plates is
 30 AV02 0 AV02
(3) 20 (1) (2)
d 2d
(4) Depends upon the location of the point 0 AV02 0 AV02
(3) (4)
3d d
33. The insulated spheres of radii R1 and R2 having charges
38. The capacitor of capacitance 4 F and 6 F are
Q1 and Q2 respectively are connected to each other. There
connected in series. A potential difference of 500 volt
is
applied to the outer plates of the two capacitor system.
(1) No change in the energy of the system
Then the charge on each capacitor is numerically
(2) An increase in the energy of the system
(3) Always a decrease in the energy of the system (1) 6000 C (2) 1200 C
(3) 1200 μC (4) 6000 μC
(4) A decrease in the energy of the system unless
potential of both are same

39. Four condensers each of capacity 4 F are connected

as shown in figure. VP  VQ  15 volt. The energy
k1 k2
stored in the system is:
4F
4F 4F
P Q 0 A
(1) ( k1  k2 )
4F t
 0 A k1  k2
(1) 2400 ergs (2) 
t 2
(2) 1800 ergs
(3) 3600 ergs 2 0 A
(3) ( k1  k2 )
(4) 5400 ergs t
 0 A k1  k2
40. n identical condensers are joined in parallel and are (4) 
t 2
charged to potential V. Now they are separated and joined
43. Three equal capacitors, each with capacitance C are
in series. Then the total energy and potential difference connected as shown in figure. Then the equivalent
of the combination will be capacitance between A and B is
(1) Energy and potential difference remain same
(2) Energy remains same and potential difference is
A B
nV C C C
(3) Energy increases n times and potential difference is (1) C (2) 3C
nV C 3C
(3) (4)
(4) Energy increases n times and potential difference 3 2
remains same 44. Four plates of the same area of cross-section are joined
as shown in the figure. The distance between each plate
41. A parallel plate capacitor with air as medium between the
is d. The equivalent capacity across A and B will be
plates has a capacitance of 10 F . The area of capacitor
is divided into two equal halves and filled with two media A
as shown in the figure having dielectric constant B
k1  2 and k2  4. The capacitance of the system will
2 0 A 3 0 A
now be (1) (2)
d d
3 0 A 0 A
(3) (4)
2d d
k1 k2 45. The total capacity of the system of capacitors shown in
the adjoining figure between the points A and B is
2F
A
(1) 10 F (2) 20 F
1F
(3) 30 F (4) 40 F 1F 2F
42. A parallel plate condenser is filled with two dielectrics as B

shown. Area of each plate isA metre2 and the separation 2F
is t metre. The dielectric constants are k 1 and k 2 (1) 1F (2) 2 F
respectively. Its capacitance in farad will be (3) 3 F (4) 4 F

46. Four capacitors are connected in a circuit as shown in d1 d3
the figure. The effective capacitance in F between

points A and B will be K1 K2 K3
2 F 12 F
d2
A
0 A
(1)
 d1 d 2 d 3 
K K  K
2 F B  
2 F 0 A
(2)
 d1  d 2  d3 
 
 K1  K 2  K 3 
28 0 A(K1K 2 K 3 )
(1) (2) 4 (3) d1d 2 d3
9
(3) 5 (4) 18  AK1 AK 2 AK 3 
(4) 0    
47. The resultant capacitance of given circuit is  d1 d2 d3 
49. If there are n capacitors in parallel connected to V volt

P
2c source, then the energy stored is equal to
2c
1
(1) CV (2) nCV 2
2c 2
1
c (3) CV2 (4) CV 2
2n
c c
Q 50. Fo ur plates of equal area are separated by equal distances
and are arranged as shown in the figure. The equivalent
(1) 3C (2) 2C
capacity is
C
(3) C (4)
3 A
B
48. The expression for the capacity of the capacitor formed
by compound dielectric placed between the plates of a 2 0 A 3 0 A
parallel plate capacitor as shown in figure, will be (area of (1) (2)
d d
plate A) 0 A
(3) 3 0 A (4)
d
d

EFFICIENT
1. An uncharged sphere of metal is placed in between two 5. Two equal negative charges – q are fixed at the fixed
charged plates as shown. The lines of force look like points (0, a) and (0,  a) on the Y-axis. A positive charge
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Q is released from rest at the point (2a, 0) on the X-axis.
The charge Q will
(1) Execute simple harmonic motion about the origin
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – (2) Move to the origin and remain at rest
A B (3) Move to infinity
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +
(4) Execute oscillatory but not simple harmonic motion
6. A positively charged ball hangs from a silk thread. We
put a positive test charge q 0 at a point and measure
– – – – – – – – – – – – – –
C D
F / q0 , then it can be predicted that the electric field
strength E
(1) A (2) B
(1) > F/q0 (2) = F/q0
(3) C (4) D
(3) < F/q0 (4) Cannot be estimated
2. A metallic solid sphere is placed in a uniform electric 7. q1 , q2 q3 and q4 are point charges located at points as
field. The lines of force follow the path(s) shown in figure shown in the figure and S is a spherical Gaussian surface
as of radius R. Which of the following is true according to
the Gauss’s law
1 1
S
2 2
3 3 q1
R
4 4
q4
(1) 1 (2) 2
q2 q3
(3) 3 (4) 4
3. If the electric flux entering and leaving an enclosed

surface respectively is 1 and 2 the electric charge     q1  q2  q3
(1)  (E1  E 2  E3 )dA  20
inside the surface will be
(1) (1  2 )0 (2) (2  1 )0      q1  q2  q3 
(2)  (E1  E2  E3 )dA  0
(3) (1  2 ) / 0 (4) (2  1 ) / 0
     q  q  q3  q4 
4. A solid metallic sphere has a charge +3Q. Concentric (3)  (E 1  E 2  E 3 )dA  1 2
0
with this sphere is a conducting spherical shell having
(4) None of the above
charge –Q. The radius of the sphere is a and that of the
spherical shell is b(b > a) . What is the electric field at a 8. If on the concentric hollow spheres of radi r and R(> r)
the charge Q is distributed such that their surface densities
distance R(a  R  b) from the centre
are same then the potential at their common centre is
Q 3Q
(1) 2 0 R (2)
20 R 2 Q(R 2  r 2 ) QR
(1) (2)
4 0 (R  r ) Rr
3Q 4Q
(3) (4) Q(R + r )
40 R 2 40 R 2 (3) Zero (4)
40 (R 2  r 2 )
86 Efficient Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

9. Two equal charges q of opposite signs separated by a 13. A non-conducting solid sphere of radius R is uniformly
distance 2a constitute an electric dipole of dipole moment charged. The magnitude of the electric field due to the
p. If P is a point at a distance r from the centre of the sphere at a distance r from its centre.
dipole and the line joining the centre of the dipole to this (1) Increases as r increases for r < R
point makes an angle θ with the axis of the dipole, then (2) Decreases as r increases for
the potential at is given by (Where) (3) Increases as r increases for R  r  
p cos  p cos  (4) Is discontinuous at r = R
(1) V (2) V
40 r 2 40 r 14. Two spherical conductors of radii 4 cm and 5 cm are
p sin  p sin  charged to the same potential. If 1 and 2 be respective
(3) V (4) V
40 r 20 r 2 value of surface density of charge on both the conductors,
then the ratio of 1 /  2 will be
10. Two infinitely long parallel wires having linear charge
(1) 16/25 (2) 25/10
densities 1 and  2 respectively are placed at a distance (3) 4/5 (4) 5/4
of R metres. The force per unit length on either wire will
15. In the given figure two tiny conducting balls of identical
 1  mass m and identical charge q hang from non-conducting
be  K  4 
 0  threads of equal length L. Assume that θ is so small that
21 2 21 2 tan   sin , then for equilibrium x is equal to
(1) K (2) K
R2 R
 
  L
(3) K 1 22 (4) K 1 2 L
R R
11. Two identical thin rings each of radius R meters are

q x q
coaxially placed at a distance R meters apart. If Q1
coulomb and Q2 coulomb are respectively the charges  q2 L 
1/3
 qL2 
1/3
uniformly spread on the two rings, the work done in (1)   (2)  
 20 mg   20 mg 
moving a charge qfrom the centre of one ring to that of
1/3 1/3
other is  q 2 L2   q2 L 
(3)   (4)  
q(Q1  Q 2 )( 2  1)  40 mg   40 mg 
(1) Zero (2)
2  40 R
16. Three positive charges of equal charge q are placed at
the vertices of an equilateral triangle. The resulting lines
q 2(Q1  Q 2 ) q(Q1  Q 2 )( 2  1)
(3) (4) of force should be sketched as in
40 R 2  40 R
12. Two equal charges are separated by a distance d. A third

charge placed on a perpendicular bisector at x distance (1) (2)
will experience maximum coulomb force when
d d
(1) x (2) x
2 2
d d (3) (4)
(3) x (4) x
2 2 2 3
Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Efficient 87

17. There is a uniform electric field of strength 103 V/m along 21. An infinite number of electric charges each equal
y-axis. A body of mass 1g and charge 10–6C is projected to 5 nano-coulomb (magnitude) are placed along
into the field from origin along the positive X-axis at x  1 cm, x  2 cm, x  4 cm, x  8 cm
x-axis with a velocity 10 m/s. Its speed in m/s after 10s is
………. and so on. In the setup if the consecutive
(Neglect gravitation)
charges have opposite sign, then the electric field
(1) 10 (2) 5 2 in Newton/Coulomb at x = 0 is
(3) 10 2 (4) 20
 1 
  9 109 N-m 2 / c 2 
18. An ellipsoidal cavity is carved within a perfect conductor.  40 
A positive charge is placed at the centre of the cavity.
(1) 12  10 4 (2) 24  104
The points a and b are on the cavity surface as shown in
(3) 36  10 4 (4) 48  10 4
the figure. Then
22. A small sphere carrying a charge ‘q’ is hanging in between
A two parallel plates by a string of length L. Time period
q B of pendulum is T0. When parallel plates are charged, the
time period changes to T. The ratio T/T0 is equal to
(1) Electric field near A in the cavity = Electric field
+ + + + + + + + +
L
near B in the cavity
(2) Charge density at A Charge density at B m
(3) Potential at A = Potential at B
(4) Total electric field flux through the surface of the – – – – – – – – –
cavity is
1/ 2 3/ 2
19. An electric dipole is situated in an electric field of uniform  qE   
g m   g 
intensity E whose dipole moment is p and moment of (1)   (2)  
 g   g  qE 
inertia is I. If the dipole is displaced slightly from the    m 
equilibrium position, then the angular frequency of its
oscillations is  
1/ 2
1/ 2 3/ 2  g 
 pE   pE   
(1)   (2)   (3)
 g  qE 
 I   I 
1/ 2 1/ 2  m 
 I   p
(3)   (4)   (4) None of these
 pE   IE 
20. A metallic shell has a point charge ‘q’ kept inside 23. Two point charges ( Q) and (2Q) are fixed on the X-
its cavity. Which one of the following diagrams axis at positions a and 2a from origin respectively. At
correctly represents the electric lines of forces what positions on the axis, the resultant electric field is
zero
(1) Only x  2a
(1) (2)
(2) Only x   2a
(3) Both x   2a
3a
(4) x only
2
(3) (4)

24. Six charges, three positive and three negative of equal 28. An infinite number of identical capacitors each of
magnitude are to be placed at the vertices of a regular capacitance 1 F are connected as in adjoining figure.
hexagon such that the electric field at O is double the Then the equivalent capacitance between A and B is
electric field when only one positive charge of same
magnitude is placed at R. Which of the following
arrangements of charges is possible for P, Q, R, S, T and
U respectively
8 capacitors
(1) +,–,+,–,–,+
16 capacitors
(2) +,–,+,–,+–
(3) +,+,–,+,–,– 
(4) –,+,+,–,+,–
A B
25. Four charges equal to – Q are placed at the four corners
(1) 1 F (2) 2 F
of a square and a charge q is at its centre. If the system is
in equilibrium the value of q is 1
(3) F (4) 
2
(1) 
Q
4
1 2 2  (2)
Q
4

1 2 2  29. A hollow charged metal sphere has radius r. If the
potential difference between its surface an a point at a
(3) 
Q
2
1 2 2  (4)
Q
2

1 2 2  distance 3r from the centre is V, then electric field
intensity at a distance 3r is :
26. A parallel plate capacitor is charged to a potential
difference of 50 V. It is discharged through a resistance. V V
(1) (2)
After 1 second, the potential difference between plates 2r 3r
becomes 40 V. Then V
(3) V(4)
(1) Fraction of stored energy after 1 second is 16/25 6r
4r
(2) Potential difference between the plates after 2
30. In the figure below, what is the potential difference
seconds will be 32 V
between the point A and B and between B and C
(3) Potential difference between the plates after 2
respectively in steady state:
seconds will be 20 V
(4) Fraction of stored energy after 1 second is 4/5 3F 1 F
27. Five identical plates each of area A are joined as shown 3 F 1 F

in the figure. The distance between the plates is d. The
1F
plates are connected to a potential difference of V volts . 10
20 100V
The charge on plates 1 and 4 will be
A C
(1) VAB  VBC  100V

(2) VAB  75V,VBC  25 V
(3) VAB  25V,VBC  75 V
0 AV 2 0 AV  0 AV 2 0 AV
(1)  (2) 
d d d d (4) VAB  VBC  50 V
 0 AV 2 0 AV  0 AV 2 0 AV
(3)  (4) 
d d d d

31. Figure given below shows two identical parallel plate 34. In an isolated parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C,
capacitors connected to a battery with switch S closed. the four surface have charges Q1 , Q 2 , Q3 and Q 4 as
The switch is now opened and the free space between shown. The potential difference between the plates is
the plate of capacitors is filled with a dielectric of dielectric
constant 3. What will be the ratio of total electrostatic Q1 Q3
energy stored in both capacitors before and after the

introduction of the dielectric Q2 Q4
S
V A B
Q1  Q 2  Q3  Q 4
(1)
2C
(1) 3:1 (2) 5:1
Q 2  Q3
(3) 3:5 (4) 5:3 (2)
2C
32. Condenser A has a capacity of 15 F when it is filled Q 2  Q3
(3)
2C
with a medium of dielectric constant 15. Another
Q1 + Q 4
condenser B has a capacity of 1 F with air between the (4)
2C
plates. Both are charged separately by a battery of 100V.
35. In the given figure each plate of capacitance C has partial
After charging, both are connected in parallel without
value of charge
the battery and the dielectric medium being removed.
E r
The common potential now is
(1) 400 V R2
(2) 800 V
C R1
(3) 1200 V
(4) 1600 V CER1
(1) CE (2) R2  r
33. Four metallic plates each with a surface area of one side
CER 2 CER1
A are placed at a distance d from each other. The plates (3) (4)
R2  r R1  r
are connected as shown in the circuit diagram. Then the
capacitance of the system between a and b is 36. A fully charged capacitor has a capacitance ‘C’. It is
discharged through a small coil of resistance wire
embedded in a thermally insulated block of specific heat
a
capacity ‘s’ and mass ‘m’. If the temperature of the block
is raised by ‘’, the potential difference ‘V’ across the
b capacitance is
msT 2msT
(1) (2)
3 0 A 2 0 A C C
(1) (2)
d d 2mCT m C T
(3) (4)
s s
2 0 A 3 0 A
(3) (4)
3d 2d

37. A network of four capacitors of capacity equal to

V
C1  C, C2  2C, C3  3C and C4  4C are connected
to a battery as shown in the figure. The ratio of the
charges on C2 and C4 is
C 2 = 2C 1 2 3 4 5
X
(1) E1  E 2  E 3  E 4  E 5
C 3 = 3C
C1 = C (2) E1 = E 3 = E 5 and E 2 < E 4
C 4 = 4C
(3) E 2 = E 4 = E 5 and E1 < E 3
(4) E1 < E2 < E3 < E4 < E5
V 41. Which of the following graphs shows the variation of
22 3
(1) (2) electric field E due to a hollow spherical conductor of
3 22
radius R as a function of distance from the centre of the
7 4
(3) (4) sphere
4 7
E E
38. Point charge moves from point P to point S along the
path (figure shown) in a uniform electric field E pointing (1) (2)
coparallel to the positive direction of the X-axis. The R r R x
coordinates of the points and S are (a, b, 0), (2a, 0, 0), E E

(a – b, 0) and (0, 0, 0) respectively. The work done by (3) (4)
the field in the above process is given by the expression R r R x
E 42. The electric field due to a uniformly charged sphere of

P
radius R as a function of the distance from its centre is
S X
Q represented graphically by
R E E
(1) qEa (2) qEa
(1) (2)
(3) qEa 2 (4) qE [(2a ) 2  b 2 ]
R r R r
39. The variation of potential with distance R from a fixed E E
point is as shown below. The electric field at R = 5m is
(3) (4)
R r O R r
5
Potential in volts
4 43. During charging of a capacitor variation of potential V of

3
2 the capacitor with time t is shown as
1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Distance R in metres V V
(1) (2)
(1) 2.5 volt/m (2) – 2.5 volt/m O t O t
(3) 2/5 volt/m (4) –2/5 volt/m
40. The figure gives the electric potential V as a function of
V V
distance through five regions on x-axis. Which of the (3) (4)
following is true for the electric field E in these regions O t O t

44. Figure (1) shows two capacitors connected in series and against x for values of x from close to zero to slightly less
joined to a battery. The graph in figure (2) shows the than d. Which of the following represents the resulting
variation in potential as one moves from left to right on curve
the branch containing the capacitors, if Y Y
Y (1) E (2) E
o X o X
x x
Y Y
X
C1 C2 E E
(b) (3) x x (4) x
(a) o o X
(1) C1 > C2 (2) C1 = C2
(3) C 1 < C2 48. In a hollow spherical shell potential (V) changes with
(4) The information is not sufficient to decide the respect to distance (r) from centre
relation between and V V
45. Between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor a dielectric (1) (2)
plate is introduced just to fill the space between the plates. r r
V V
The capacitor is charged and later disconnected from the
battery. The dielectric plate is slowly drawn out of the (3) (4)
capacitor parallel to the plates. The plot of the potential r r
difference across the plates and the length of the dielectric
49. Equipotential surfaces are shown in figure. Then the
plate drawn out is
electric field strength will be
V V
Y 10V 20V 30V
(1) (2)
30°
X X O X
V V 10 20 30 (cm)
(1) 100 Vm–1 along X-axis

(3) (4)
(2) 100 Vm–1 along Y-axis
X X
(3) 200 Vm–1 at an angle 120o with X-axis
46. What physical quantities may and represent? (4) 50 Vm–1 at an angle 120o with X-axis
Y
50. Change Q on a capacitor
varies with voltage V as Y A
shown in the figure, where Q
V
X is taken along the X-axis and
(1) Pressure v/s temperature of a given gas (constant V along the Y-axis. The area
o
Q B X
volume) of triangle OAB represents
(2) Kinetic energy v/s velocity of a particle (1) Capacitance
(3) Capacitance v/s charge to give a constant potential (2) Capacitive reactance
(4) Potential v/s capacitance to give a constant charge (3) Magnetic field between the plates
(4) Energy stored in the capacitor
47. Two identical point charges are placed at a separation of
d. P is a point on the line joining the charges, at a distance
x from any one charge. The field at P is E, E is plotted

IMPECCABLE
1. Figure shows three points A, B and C in a region of 6. In bringing an electron towards another electron, the
uniform electric field E. The line AB is perpendicular electrostatic potential energy of the system
and BC is parallel to the field lines. Then which of the [MHT CET 2007]
following holds true? (1) decreases (2) increases
(3) remains same (4) becomes zero
A
B C 7. If a positive charge is shifted from a low potential region

to a high potential region, then electric potential energy
(1) VA = VB= V C (2) VA = VB > VC [RPMT 2007]
(3) VA = VB< V C (4) VA > V B = VC (1) decreases
where VA VB and Vc represent the electric potentials at (2) increases
the points A, B and C respectively. [BHU 2006] (3) remains the same
(4) may increase or decrease
2. Two electric charge 12 mC and –6 mC are placed 20 cm
apart in air. There will be a point P on the line joining 8. An electric field is spread uniformly along positive y-
these charges and outside the region between them, at axes. Consider a point A as origin point. The co-ordinates
which the electric potential is zero. The distance of P of point B are equal to (0, 2) m. The co-ordinates of
from -6 mC charge is [Kerala CEE 2006] point C are (2, 0) m. At points A, B and C, electric
(1) 0.10 m (2) 0.15 m potentials are V A, V B and Vc respectively. From the
(3) 0.20 m (4) 0.25 m following options, which is correct ?
[Guj CET 2007]
3. The electric potential at the surface of an atomic nucleus (1) VA =VC<VB (2) VA =VB=VC
(Z = 50) of radius 9 × 10–15 m is [Guj CET 2006] (3) VA = VB >VC (4) VA = VC>VB
(1) 80 V (2) 8 × 10 V 6
(3) 9 V (4) 9 × l05V 9. Electric potential at the centre of a charged hollow metal
sphere is [J&K CET 2007]
4. In the figure, a proton moves a distance d in a uniform (1) zero
electric field E as shown in the figure. Does the electric (2) twice as that on the surface
field do a positive or negative work on the proton? Does (3) half of that on the surface
the electric potential energy of the proton increase or (4) same as that on the surface
decrease? [AIIMS 2007]
E 10. A small conducting sphere of radius r is lying
concentrically inside a bigger hollow conducting sphere
+
p of radius R. The bigger and smaller spheres are charged
d
(1) Negative, increase (2) Positive, decrease with Q and q(Q> q) and are insulated from each other.
(3) Negative, decrease (4) Positive, increase The potential difference between the spheres will be
[KCET 2008]
5. The potential of a large liquid drop when eight liquid
1 q q  1  q Q
drops are combined is 20 V. Then the potential of each (1)    (2)   
40  r R  40  R r 
single drop was [KCET 2007]
(1) 10 V (2) 7.5 V 1  q Q 1 Q q
(3)    (4)   
(3) 5 V (4) 2.5 V 40  R R  40  R r 
Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Impeccable 93

11. The charges Q, + q and +q are placed at the vertices of 17. Two equal and opposite charge (+ q and – q) are situated
an equilateral triangle of side l. If the net electrostatic at x distance from each other, the value of potential at
potential energy of the system is zero, then Q is equal to very far point will depend upon [AFMC 2009]
[KCET 2008] (1) only on q (2) only on x
q q
(1)  (2) –q (3) on qx (4) on
2 x
q
(3) (4) zero
2 18. Three concentric spherical shells have radii a, b and c
(a < b< c) and have surface charge densities s, –s and S
12. A charge Q is placed at each corner of a cube of side a.
respectively. If VA, VB and Vc denote the potentials of
The potential at the centre of the cube is
the three shell… for c = a + b, we have
[EAMCET 2008]
[CBSE AIPMT 2009]
8Q 4Q
(1) (2) (1) VC= VA ≠ VB (2) Vc = V B ≠ V A
0 a 40 a
(3) Vc ≠ VB ≠ V A (4) Vc = VB= VA
4Q 2Q
(3) (4) 0 a
3 0 a 19. Three point charges q, –2q and –2q are placed at the
vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. The work
13. If 20 J of work has to be done to move an electric charge
done by some external force to increase their separation
of 4 C from a point, where potential is 10V to another
to 2a will be [UP CPMT 2009]
point, where potential is F volt, find the value of F.
[Guj CET 2008] 1 2q 2 1 2q 2
(1) (2)
(1) 2 V (2) 70 V 40 a 4 0 a
(3) 5 V (4) 15 V
1 8q
(3) 40 a 2 (4) zero
14. The work done in bringing a unit positive charge from
infinity distance to a point at distance X from a positive
20. The work done in carrying a charge Q once around a
charge Q is W. When, the potential f at that point is
circle of radius r about a charge q at the centre is
[J&K CET 2008]
[UP CPMT 2009]
WQ
(1) (2) W qQ qQ
X
(1) 40 r (2) 40 r
W
(3) (4) WQ
Q
qQ  1 
(3)   (4) zero
15. The electric potential inside a conducting sphere 40  2r 
[J&K CET 2008]
21. Three charges -q,+Q and -q are placed in a straight line
(1) increases from centre to surface
as shown.
(2) decreases from centre to surface
–q +Q –q
(3) remains constant from centre to surface
(4) is zero at every point inside x x
If the total potential energy of the system is zero, then
16. n identical mercury droplets charged to the same potential
q
V coalesce to form a single bigger drop. The potential of the ratio is [J&K CET 2009]
Q
new drop will be [AFMC, Manipal 2009]
(1) 2 (2) 5.5
V
(1) (2) nV (3) 4 (4) 1.5
n
(3) nV2 (4) n2/3V
94 Impeccable Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

22. The mutual electrostatic potential energy between two 28. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with air as
protons which are at a distance of 9 × 10 –15 m, in 92U235 medium is 3 mF. With the introduction of a dielectric
nucleus is [J&K CET 2009] medium between the plates, the capacitance becomes
(1) 1.56 × l0 J
–14
(2) 5.5 × l0–14 J 15 mF. The permittivity of the medium is
(3) 2.56 × 10–14 J (4) 4.56 × 10–14 J [BHU 2010]
(1) 5 C N m
2 –1 –2
(2) 15 C N m–2
2 –1
23. Three charges are placed at the vertex of an equilateral
(3) 0.44 × 10–10 C2 N–1 m–2
triangle as shown in figure. For what value of Q, the
(4) 8.845 × l0–11C2N–1m–2
electrostatic potential energy of the system is zero?
[OJEE 2009] 29. A 500 mF capacitor is charged at the steady rate of l00mC/
(1)  q s. How long will it take to raise the potential difference
+Q
q between the plates of the capacitor to 10 V?[BHU 2010]
(2)
2 (1) 5s (2) 10 s
(3) –2q (3) 50 s (4) 100 s
+q +q
q
(4) 30. Two conducting spheres of radii R1 and R2 are charged
2
with charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. On bringing them
24. The charge q is projected into a uniform electric field E, in contact, there is [BHU 2010]
work done when it moves a distance y is [OJEE 2009] (1) no increase in the energy of the system
qy (2) an increase in the energy of the system if
(1) qEy (2)
E Q1R2 ≠ Q2R1
qE y (3) always a decrease in the energy of the system
(3) y (4) qE (4) a decrease in the energy of the system if
Q1R2 = Q2R1
25. Two charged spheres of radii R1 and R 2 have equal
surface charge density. The ratio of their potential is 31. A parallel plate air capacitor of capacitance C 0 is
[OJEE 2009] connected to a cell of emf V and then disconnected from
(1) R1/R2 (2) R2/R1 it. A dielectric slab of dielectric constant K, which can
(3) (R1/R2) 2
(4) (R2/R1)2 just fill the air gap of the capacitor, is now inserted in it.
Which of the following is incorrect? [BHU 2010]
26. The electric potential on the surface of the hollow sphere
(1) The potential difference between the plates
of radius 1 m is 1000 V. The potential at the centre of
decreases K times
sphere is [MP PMT 2010]
(2) The energy stored in the capacitor decreases
(1) 1000 V (2) 500 V
K times
(3) 250 V (4) zero
27. A charged oil drop of mass 2.5 × l0–7 kg is in space (3) The potential remains same
between the two plates, each of area 2 × 10–2 m2 of a (4) Charge remains same
parallel plate capacitor. When the upper plate has a charge 32. A charged oil drop of mass 9.75 × 10–15 kg and charge
of 5 × 10–7 C and the lower plate has an equal negative 30 × 10–16 C is suspended in a uniform electric field
charge, the oil remains stationary. The charge of the oil existing between two parallel plates. The field between
drop is (Take g = 10 m/s 2) [AIIMS 2010] the plates, (taking g = 10 ms–2) is [CMC 2010]
(1) 9 × l0–1 C (2) 9 × 10–6 C (1) 3.25V/m (2) 3000V/m
(3) 8.85 × l0–13 C (4) 1.8 × 10–14 C (3) 325V/ m (4) 32.5V/ m

33. The radii of the inner and outer spheres of a condenser 39. There is a uniform electric field of intensity E which is as
are 9 cm and 10 m respectively.If the dielectric constant shown. How many labelled points have the same electric
of the medium between the two spheres is 6 and charge potential as the fully shaded point?
on the inner sphere is 18 x 10–9 C, then the potential of [KCET 2010]
inner sphere will be, if the other sphere is earthed (1) 2
E
[Haryana PMT 2010] (2) 3
(1) 180 V (2) 30 V (3) 8
(3) 18V (4) 90V (4) 11
34. Energies stored in capacitor and dissipated during 40. Identify the false statement. [Kerala CEE 2010]
charging a capacitor bear a ratio [MP PMT 2010] (1) Inside a charged or neutral conductor electrostatic
(1) 1 : 1 (2) 1 : 2 field is zero
(3) 1 : 1/2 (4) 2 : 1 (2) The electrostatic field at the surface of the charged
35. An uncharged capacitor with a solid dielectric is conductor must be tangential to the surface at any
connected to a similar air capacitor charged to a potential point
of V0. If the common potential after sharing of charges (3) There is no net charge at any point inside the
becomes V, then the dielectric constant of the dielectric conductor
must be [VMMC 2010] (4) Electrostatic potential is constant throughout the
V volume of the conductor
(1) V0 /V (2) V0
41. If a charged spherical conductor of radius 10 cm has
 V0  V   V0  V  potential V at a point distant 5 cm from its centre, then
(3) (4)
V V0
the potential at a point distant 15 cm from the centre will
36. If the energy of a 100 mF capacitor charged to 6 kV be [JCECE 2010]
could all be used to lift a 50 kg mass, what would be the 1 2
(1) V (2) V
greatest vertical height through which mass could be 3 3
raised? 3
(3) V (4) 3V
(1) 0.6mm (2) 3.6 m [MGIMS 2010] 2
(3) 1.2 mm (4) 12 m 42. The electrostatic potential of a uniformly charged thin
37. A ball of mass 1 g and charge 10–8 C moves from a point spherical shell of charge Q and radius R at a distance r
A, where potential is 600 V to the point B where potential from the centre is [Manipal 2010]
is zero. Velocity of the ball at the point B is 20 cms–1. Q Q
(1) 40 r for points outside and 4 R for points
The velocity of the ball at the point A will be 0
[AIIMS 2010] inside the shell

(1) 22.8 cms –1
(2) 228 cms –1 Q
(2) 40 r for both points inside and outside the shell
(3) 16.8 ms –1
(4) 168 ms–1
Q
38. The kinetic energy of an electron, which is accelerated (3) zero for points outside and 4 r for points
0
in the potential difference of 100 V, is inside the shell
[JIPMER 2010] (4) zero for both points inside and outside the shell
(1) 1.6 × l0–17 J (2) 1.6 × l0–14 J
(3) 1.6 × l0–10 J (4) 1.6 × 10–8 J

43. A hollow metal sphere of radius 10 cm is charged such (1) 273 pF (2) 30 pF
that the potential on its surface becomes 80 V. The (3) 94 pF (4) 270 pF
potential at the centre of the sphere is[J&K CET 2011]
49. A capacitor of 2 μF is charged as shown in the figure.
(1) 80 V (2) 800 V
When the switch S is turned to position 2, the percentage
(3) 8 V (4) zero
of its stored energy dissipated is [NEET 2016]
44. A, B and C are three points in a uniform electric field. 1 2
The electric potential is : [NEET 2013]
S
B A V 2F 8F
E
C
(1) same at all the three points A, B and C (1) 20% (2) 75%
(2) maximum at A (3) 80% (4) 0%
(3) maximum at B
50. Suppose the charge of a proton and an electron differ
(4) maximum at C
slightly. One of them is –e, the other is (e  e) . If the
45. A conducting sphere of radius R is given a charge Q. net of electrostatic force and gravitational force between
The electric potential and the electric field at the centre two hydrogen atoms placed at a distance d (much greater
of the sphere respectively are : [AIPMT 2014] than atomic size) apart is zero, then e is of the order
Q Q of: [Given mass of hydrogen mh = 1.67 × 10–27 kg]
(1) and
40 R 40 R (1) 10–23C (2) 10–37C [NEET 2017]
(2) Both are zero (3) 10 C –47
(4) 10 C–20
Q 51. An electron falls from rest through a vertical distance h in

(3) Zero and
40 R 2 a uniform and vertically upward directed electric field E.
Q The direction of electrical field is now reversed, keeping
(4) and zero its magnitude the same. A proton is allowed to fall from
40 R
rest in through the same vertical distance h. The time fall
46. In a region, the potential is represented by V(x,y,z) = 6x – of the electron, in comparison to the time fall of the proton
8xy – 8y + 6yz, where V is in volts and x, y, z are in meters. is : [NEET 2018]
The electric force experienced by a charge of 2 coulomb (1) smaller (2) 5 times greater
situated at point (1, 1, 1) is [AIPMT 2014] (3) 10 times greater (4) equal
(1) 24 N (2) 4 35 N 52. The electrostatic force between the metal plates of an
(3) 6 5N (4) 30 N isolated parallel plate capacitor C having a charge Q and
47. Anisolated sphere has a capacitance of 50 pF. What would area A, is : [NEET 2018]
be the radius of the sphere? [UK PMT 2015] (1) independent of the distance between the plates.
(1) 90 cm (2) 45 cm (2) linearly proportional to the distance between the
(3) 11.50 cm (4) 5.75 cm plates
(3) proportional to the square root of the distance
48. A parallel plate capacitor has 91 plates, all are identical between the plates.
and arranged with same spacing between them. If the (4) inversely proportional to the distance between the
capacitance between adjacent plates is 3 pF. What will plates.
be the resultant capacitance? [EAMCET 2015]

53. Two point charge A and B, having charges +Q and –Q 2

respectively are placed at certain distance apart and force (1) zero (2) N/C
0 R
acting between them is F. If 25% charge of A is transferred
to B, then force between the charges becomes:  
(3) N/C (4) N/C
[NEET 2019] 0 R 2 0 R
9F 55. A hollow metal sphere of radius R is uniformly charged.
(1) F (2)
16 The electric field due to the sphere at a distance r from
16 F 4F the centre: [NEET 2019]
(3) (4) (1) increases as r increases for r < R and for r > R
9 3
(2) zero as r increases for r < R, decreases as r
54. Two parallel infinite line charges with linear charge increases for r > R.
densities  C/m and  C/m are placed at a distance (3) zero as r increases for r < R, increases as r
of 2R in free space. What is the electric field mid-way increases for r > R
between the two line charges: [NEET 2019] (4) decreases as r increases for r < R and for r > R

ANSWERS TO PRACTICE EXERCISES

 3   q 2
1. Attract 2. –1.6 × 10–10 C 3. Positive charge 4. 16 mC 5.   
 a
 4  0 
6. Equal force, electron 7. 2.5a from +q 8. False 9. False
2eV
10.  (4.32iˆ  5.76ˆj)  102 N/C 11. True 12. 13. 0.25 m
m
14. 2iˆ  3jˆ  kˆ 15. 0 16. 8 × 10–18 J 17. 1.2 × 103 V 18. 1 × 10–1V
19. 0.17 ms–1 20. 0 21. 0 22. True 23. 0
N  m2  Q 2 Q1 
24. R E 2 25. 240 26. K    27. 1.7 × 10–2 m 28. 4 × 10–8 Cm
C  x r1 
29. 45V 30. 18 × 10–30 Cm 31. 7.5 × 10–6 mJ 32. 12.0 mF 33. 4 × 10–2J
q1  q2
34. 182 C 35. 2Ce2 36. 20 mC 37.
2C
1600 3200 1600
38. 800 mC, 800 V, 800 mC, 400 V 39. C, C V 40. 400 F
3 3 3
ANSWERS TO IN CHAPTER EXERCISEES

1. 2 2. 4 3. 3 4. 4 5. 2 6. 3 7. 1 8. 1
A 9. 2 10. 2
1. 3 2. 3 3. 3 4. 2 5. 1 6. 2 7. 3 8. 3
B 9. 2 10. 3
1. 1 2. 2 3. 2 4. 2 5. 2 6. 2 7. 4 8. 2
C 9. 2 10. 1
1. 2 2. 3 3. 2 4. 3 5. 1 6. 2 7. 3 8. 4
D 9. 1 10. 2
1. 4 2. 3 3. 3 4. 4 5. 4 6. 4 7. 3 8. 2
E 9. 3 10. 2
1. 3 2. 4 3. 2 4. 4 5. 1 6. 2 7. 4 8. 4
F 9. 2 10. 2
1. 3 2. 1 3. 3 4. 4 5. 3 6. 1 7. 3 8. 3
G 9. 3 10. 4
1. 2 2. 3 3. 2 4. 3 5. 1 6. 1 7. 3 8. 4
H 9. 3 10. 4
1. 2 2. 3 3. 1 4. 2 5. 4 6. 1 7. 2 8. 3
I 9. 1 10. 3
1. 2 2. 3 3. 2 4. 4 5. 6. 2 7. 3 8. 2
J 9. 2 10. 2
Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Answers 99

ANSWERS TO EXERCISES
FUNDAMENTAL
1. 2 2. 3 3. 3 4. 1 5. 4 6. 3 7. 2 8. 1
9. 3 10. 2 11. 3 12. 3 13. 3 14. 3 15. 2 16. 3
17. 4 18. 4 19. 3 20. 3 21. 3 22. 1 23. 2 24. 3
25. 1 26. 4 27. 2 28. 4 29. 2 30. 2 31. 4 32. 4
33. 1 34. 3 35. 2 36. 4 37. 1 38. 4 39. 4 40. 3
41. 1 42. 1 43. 3 44. 4 45. 2 46. 1 47. 3 48. 4
49. 2 50. 1
ENABLE
1. 3 2. 4 3. 1 4. 1 5. 2 6. 4 7. 2 8. 3
9. 2 10. 3 11. 4 12. 2 13. 1 14. 3 15. 2 16. 1
17. 3 18. 4 19. 1 20. 2 21. 3 22. 2 23. 1 24. 4
25. 4 26. 3 27. 4 28. 3 29. 3 30. 2 31. 3 32. 2
33. 4 34. 2 35. 1 36. 3 37. 4 38. 3 39. 2 40. 2
41. 3 42. 2 43. 2 44. 2 45. 2 46. 3 47. 1 48. 1
49. 2 50. 1
EFFICIENT
1. 3 2. 4 3. 2 4. 3 5. 4 6. 2 7. 2 8. 4
9. 1 10. 2 11. 2 12. 3 13. 1 14. 4 15. 1 16. 3
17. 3 18. 3 19. 1 20. 3 21. 3 22. 3 23. 2 24. 4
25. 2 26. 1 27. 3 28. 2 29. 3 30. 3 31. 3 32. 2
33. 4 34. 3 35. 3 36. 2 37. 2 38. 1 39. 1 40. 2
41. 1 42. 2 43. 1 44. 3 45. 2 46. 4 47. 4 48. 2
49. 3 50. 4
IMPECCABLE
1. 2 2. 3 3. 2 4. 1 5. 3 6. 2 7. 2 8. 4
9. 4 10. 1 11. 1 12. 3 13. 4 14. 2 15. 3 16. 4
17. 3 18. 1 19. 4 20. 4 21. 3 22. 3 23. 4 24. 1
25. 1 26. 1 27. 3 28. 3 29. 3 30. 4 31. 3 32. 4
33. 2 34. 1 35. 3 36. 2 37. 1 38. 1 39. 2 40. 2
41. 2 42. 1 43. 1 44. 3 45. 4 46. 2 47. 2 48. 4
49. 3 50. 2 51. 1 52. 1 53. 2 54. 3 55. 2
100 Answers Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Chapter-12-Electrostatics & Capacitance

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter-12-Electrostatics & Capacitance

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vidyamandir Classes Electrostatics

FUNDAMENTAL FORCES IN THE NATURE Section - 1

bodies, therefore it is often called frictional electricity

Charges are of two types.

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 1 1

Illustration - 2 How many electrons are present in 1 coulomb of charge?

Conditions to apply Coulomb Law

2 Section 1 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Vector form of Coulomb's law

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 1 3

4 Section 1 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

1. When a soap bubble is charged.

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 1 5

ELECTRIC FIELD Section - 2

Electric field Intensity

Principle of superposition for electric field intensity

6 Section 2 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Electric lines of forces

Properties of lines of force

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 2 7

8 Section 2 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

5. The figure is a plot of lines of force due to two charges q1 and q2 .

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 2 9

7. The electric charge in uniform motion produces:

8. Electric lines of force about negative point charge are:

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL Section - 3

10 Section 3 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 3 11

Relationship between electric potential and intensity of electric field

12 Section 3 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Potential difference = 5 volt.

V mgd 1.6  1014  9.8  10  103

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 3 13

1. Inside a charged hollow spherical conductor, the potential :

14 Section 3 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

3. A hollow metallic sphere is charged. Inside the sphere:

(1) zero (2)

10. Inside a hollow charged spherical conductor, the potential

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 3 15

POTENTIAL ENERGY OF CHARGED PARTICLE IN ELECTRIC FIELD Section - 4

Potential Energy of System :

(iii) Energy of a system of two charges PE  1 q1q2 q1 d q2

Work Done in An Electric Field

16 Section 4 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 4 17

18 Section 4 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Illustration - 25 A charge q moves along the path PQRS in an electric field E P

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 4 19

(1) 8 q2 (2) 8 q1 (3) 6 q2 (4) 6 q1

20 Section 4 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

MOTION OF A CHARGED PARTICLE IN AN ELECTRIC FIELD Section - 5

Uniform Electric Field

Acceleration a  qE and velocity is v  u  at

20 eV 2  1.6  1016 10

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 5 21

Here E  Potential difference  300  15000 V

   108 ∴ u = 104 m/s

where θ = angle between electric field and normal to the area 

(b) Volt - meter

22 Section 5 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

Self Study Course for Medical Entrance Section 5 23

Illustration - 30 In the following figure, find out the electric flux

24 Section 5 Self Study Course for Medical Entrance

q  (6000)(8.85  1012 )  0.053 C